The conflict that will not freeze

On 5 September 2014, the Ukrainian government signed a 12-point agreement (including a ceasefire) with Russia. But the fighting in the Donbass has not stopped. Russia has recently sent military reinforcements to the Donbass and provided the rebels with more heavy weapons systems. These actions have increased the military pressure on Kyiv and rendered the agreement worthless. Moscow seems to be waiting for Ukraine to make a “mistake” that Russia can use as a pretext for further escalation. In the longer term, constant military threats and escalation serve the Russian strategy of spoiling the Ukrainian reform agenda and blocking Ukraine’s further Westernisation.

• Primary Source

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: One year after Euromaidan: 13 people dying every day http://www.europeansources.info/record/one-year-after-euromaidan-13-people-dying-every-day/

ESO: Background information: Putin says he's convinced solution to Ukraine crisis possible http://www.europeansources.info/record/putin-says-hes-convinced-solution-to-ukraine-crisis-possible/

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