"We continue intensive cooperation in the Minsk process and in the Normandy format for the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the east of Ukraine. So we have invited to the tomorrow meeting in Berlin Normandy format deputy foreign ministers [Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine]," Schaefer said.
The ministerial spokesman pointed out that the diplomats would not only analyze the current developments but also assess the implementation of parties' commitments under the Minsk ceasefire agreements.
"I can say that this meeting will be held amid still grave and recently deteriorated security conditions," Schaefer said, adding that the joint work is highly important for reaching de-escalation in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass.
Kiev launched a military operation in the east of Ukraine in 2014, after local residents refused to recognize the new government that came to power then. The ceasefire agreement was reached in Minsk in 2015, brokered by the leaders of the Normandy Four group, but the situation has remained tense.
On March 15, the Trilateral Contact Group decided to declare on a new ceasefire in Donbass for the duration of the Easter holidays starting on April 1. However, the ceasefire failed to hold with both sides of the conflict continuing to blame each other of violations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on May 2 that new agreements on the crisis settlement in Ukraine should not be discussed until the full implementation of the already existing agreements.
