Ukraine peace plan follows a familiar path – but there are potholes in the east

More than two years after the Euromaidan protests in Ukraine, the country remains a starkly divided country, with violence still simmering in the east among Russian-backed separatists. For most of 2016, Ukraine has been trying to solve these problems through a deal struck with Russia, Germany and France – a plan known as Minsk II.

No peace agreement is perfect, and Minsk II certainly isn’t. But it is possible to improve upon the model, if those negotiating it are aware of the potential pitfalls and dangers.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: EU-Ukraine summit, Brussels, 24 November 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-ukraine-summit-brussels-24-november-2016/

ESO: Key Source: Euromaidan - Protests in Ukraine 2013 - 2015 - Key source http://www.europeansources.info/record/euromaidan-protests-in-ukraine-2013-2015/

ESO: Background information: Ukraine: The Line http://www.europeansources.info/record/ukraine-the-line/

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/

Wikipedia: Minsk II https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minsk_II

The Economist, 13.09.16: The Economist explains. What are the Minsk agreements? http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2016/09/economist-explains-7

ESO: Background information: 'Normandy format' meeting at the Federal Chancellery 'We must use every opportunity', says Angela Merkel http://www.europeansources.info/record/normandy-format-meeting-at-the-federal-chancellerywe-must-use-every-opportunity-says-angela-merkel/

ESO: Background information: The Minsk II Process in 2016: On the Path of Disappointment http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-minsk-ii-process-in-2016-on-the-path-of-disappointment/

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