German Foreign Minister Claims 'Significant Progress' Is Being Made Between Russia And Ukraine

Wall Street Journal: Foreign Ministers Make Headway on Ukraine Conflict

Meeting in Berlin ‘one of the less confrontational’ ones, says German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Foreign ministers from Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine agreed late Saturday on steps to bring stability to eastern Ukraine, but the talks showed that any progress remains “difficult” and could be easily jeopardized, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

“I can tell you with relief that our meeting today has been one of the less confrontational and more successful ones,” Mr. Steinmeier said in a statement provided by his office.

The ministers agreed that the cease-fire in eastern Ukraine, which has held for two weeks, “needs to be further strengthened and safeguarded” by a clear commitment to withdraw weapons from the conflict zone. Agreements on the matter between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are nearing completion, Mr. Steinmeier said. Therefore, the ministers are asking a working group involved in putting the plans into action that an agreement for withdrawing lighter weapons and tanks be reached as soon as possible, possibly at its next meeting, he said.

“Both sides are not far apart,” Mr. Steinmeier said.

WNU Editor: I can only hope that this period of peace continues .... but the key to continuing this ceasefire will be the need to find common ground between Kiev and the rebel groups in the east. And while I am confident that a political accommodation between the Ukraine government and these eastern rebel groups will be found one day, my hope is that it will be found sooner rather than later and after much bloodshed.

More News On Reports That 'Significant Progress' Is Being Made Between Russia And Ukraine

German FM: ‘significant progress’ made towards resolving Kyiv-Moscow conflict -- Euronews
Ukraine ceasefire talks 'make significant progress' -- BBC
Top officials hail 'progress' on Ukraine deal -- AFP
'Significant Progress' Reported At Ukraine Peace Talks In Berlin -- Radio Free Europe
Winter is coming to Ukraine: ‘Normandy Four’ vows to speed up ‘less confrontational’ crisis talks -- RT
Peace breaks out in eastern Ukraine as Vladimir Putin steps back -- Financial Times