Explained: What are the Minsk agreements on the Ukraine conflict?

What is the News?

The United States has warned Russia not to invade Ukraine and urged both countries to return to a set of Minsk agreements designed to end a separatist war by Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine.

What are Minsk Agreements?

Minsk agreements were signed to stop the ongoing conflict between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukraine administration in the Donbas region of Ukraine. 

There were total 2 Minsk Agreements signed:

Minsk I

It was signed by Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatists. Its provisions included prisoner exchanges, deliveries of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of heavy weapons. However, the agreement broke down with violations by both sides.

Minsk II

It was signed by Russia, Ukraine, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the leaders of pro-Russian separatist regions. The agreement set out a series of military and political steps that remain unimplemented. 

About Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe(OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization. 

Purpose: Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, promotion of human rights, freedom of the press, and fair elections.

Member States: It consists of 57 participating States from North America, Europe and Asia.

Secretariat: Vienna, Austria.

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: What are the Minsk agreements on the Ukraine conflict?” published in Indian Express on 8th December 2021.