DISINFO: Europe silent about Ukraine’s violation of Minsk deals
SUMMARY
Europe understands that Ukraine is violating the Minsk agreements but does not say it for political reasons.
RESPONSE
This is a recurring disinformation narrative from pro-Kremlin outlets, claiming that Ukraine's position is the only obstacle on the way to the peace process in Donbas.
In reality, the main impediment to a peace settlement in Donbas is Russia’s and its proxies’ deliberate unwillingness to implement the Minsk agreements. These documents, signed by representatives of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Ukraine, Russia and leaders of the illegal separatist entities (DNR and LNR), provide, among other things, for a comprehensive ceasefire and withdrawal of foreign troops from Ukraine. Kyiv announced a truce in July 2020, but the Moscow-backed separatists have been violating it virtually every day.
Separatists often use the civilian population as a human shield by shelling Ukrainian positions from residential areas to accuse Ukrainian troops of possible civilian victims when they strike back. The Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) of the OSCE issues daily reports about hostilities. It is impossible to proceed with the peace process in Donbas as long as fighting is continuing and foreign troops are stationed in the region.
Apart from regular proposals for ceasefire, France and Germany, who are members of the Normandy format, also put forward other initiatives to solve the Donbas-conflict; however, Russia seems to ignore them.
See here about EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine.
Read more disinformation reports alleging that Ukraine is blocking the peace process.