Ceasefire Violations in Ukraine Question Commitment to Minsk Deal - Karasin

Persistent violations of ceasefire in Ukraine put in question Kiev and self-proclaimed republics' commitment to Minsk accords, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said Wednesday following talks on Ukraine in the so-called 'Normandy Four' format.

PARIS (Sputnik) — The agreement signed in Minsk stipulated a ceasefire that came into force on February 15, heavy weaponry pullout, an "all-for-all" prisoner exchange and constitutional reforms amid the 13 points.

"Unfortunately, it was noted [by all members of the Normandy Four] that the implementation of the ceasefire which is prerequisite for further advancement [in Ukraine reconciliation] is often violated," Karasin said, adding that the pace of Ukrainian reconciliation was too slow.

"There is overall understanding that not enough efforts are made to implement the 13 points which are stipulated by the Minsk accords," Karasin said.

The Normandy Four envoys also agreed that Kiev must respect Donetsk and Luhansk views on Ukrainian reconciliation, according to Karasin.

"In Normandy format such opinion regarding further settlement of the Ukrainian crisis prevails," Karasin said.

In February, the Normandy Four, comprising the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany facilitated a truce between Kiev forces and pro-independence fighters of Donbas.

The military operation launched by Kiev in April 2014, claimed more than 6,000 lives, according to the United Nations.