The Minsk II Process in 2016: On the Path of Disappointment

Overshadowed by Russia’s intervention in Syria and the EU’s preoccupation with the migration crisis, the implementation of the second Minsk agreement has received little attention in 2016. Following the meetings of the Normandy Four Group on 13th February and 3rd March 2016, it seems little progress was made on the most contentious issues with all sides becoming more steadily disillusioned with the process.

The principal political elements of the agreement remain unfulfilled and the lack of more satisfactory results produced by both sides is placing further strain on the already protracted negotiations.

Against the backdrop of this political stalemate, the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) has been reporting an increase of ceasefire violations and frequently observed heavy weapons and armed formations.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Normandy Four leaders discuss OSCE monitoring of eastern Ukraine http://www.europeansources.info/record/normandy-four-leaders-discuss-osce-monitoring-of-eastern-ukraine/

ESO: Background information: To Be or Not to Be? Ukraine’s Minsk Process http://www.europeansources.info/record/to-be-or-not-to-be-ukraines-minsk-process/

OSCE: Where we are: OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine http://www.osce.org/ukraine-smm

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