Secretary's Remarks: Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement
02/12/2015 11:27 AM EST
Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 12, 2015
The United States welcomes the news that the OSCE-led Trilateral Contact Group, supported by Chancellor Merkel and
Presidents Hollande, Poroshenko, and Putin, reached agreement on a ceasefire and heavy weapons withdrawal in eastern
Ukraine, and on the implementation of the September Minsk agreements. We particularly commend the diplomatic efforts of
our European Allies, Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande, and their teams in making this agreement possible.
Actions will be what matter now. The first test of this agreement and the prospects for a comprehensive settlement will
be the full implementation of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons by all parties – by Ukraine, the
separatists, and Russia. All the parties must show complete restraint in the run-up to the Sundayceasefire, including an
immediate halt to the Russian and separatist assault on Debaltseve and other Ukrainian towns.
The parties have a long road ahead before achieving peace and the full restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty. The United
States stands ready to assist in coordination with our European Allies and partners. We will judge the commitment of
Russia and the separatists by their actions, not their words. As we have long said, the United States is prepared to
consider rolling back sanctions on Russia when the Minsk agreements of September 2014, and now this agreement, are fully
implemented. That includes a full ceasefire, the withdrawal of all foreign troops and equipment from Ukraine, the full
restoration of Ukrainian control of the international border, and the release of all hostages.
We also welcome the news that the Government of Ukraine and the IMF have reached an agreement that will allow the IMF to
provide Ukraine with $17.5 billion in financial assistance in support of economic reforms. This agreement will enable
Ukraine to continue implementing the reforms it needs to build a stronger, more prosperous, democratic future for the
people of Ukraine.
ENDS