Frank-Walter Steinmeier: The conflict in Ukraine is the result of Russian confrontation

Conflict in Ukraine is not the result of Kyiv’s attempts to deepen co-operation with Brussels, but the aftermath of confrontational way, chosen by Russia, said Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, delivering a special speech during the 8th Kyiv Security Forum organized by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation.

“Let us say clearly what caused the conflict: Russia’s annexation of the Crimea in violation of the international law and the continuation of military events in Eastern Ukraine. That is the path of confrontation, which was chosen by Russia. Therein lies the root of the conflict, but not in that Ukraine and the EU are trying to accelerate the process of partnership, as some people see it,” – said the head of the German Foreign Office.

He stressed that the EU supports the partnership with Ukraine. “We are ready to help your country towards the restoration of political and economic stability and the preservation of Ukrainian unity. It was a clear message, which sounded at the Riga Summit,” – said Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The Minister stressed that further confrontation will not help the parties to resolve the conflict. “There is no military solution to this conflict,” – he said. According to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, the roadmap for resolving the conflict is the ‘Minsk Agreement’. “This is so far the only chance that we have and this is the only document signed by all parties of the conflict. The way of the ‘Minsk agreements’ is a political path that will make it possible to avoid further escalation of the conflict,” – he said.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier recalled that the tripartite contact group was created with a view to negotiating and said that its regular meeting is scheduled for days to come. “June, 2 the task group will discuss issues of security, humanitarian assistance, economic recovery and political reformation. In every there is an impressive number of challenges,” – he said.

The head of Germany’s Foreign Office is sure that things such as bridge-building and infrastructure restoration are necessary, but it is more important to strengthen the ceasefire regime, withdraw weapons, and adherence to the way that will lead the Ukrainian government to the full control over the state border.

“We clearly communicate our messages to Russia: international sanctions against Russia are directly related to the adherence to the Minsk agreements,” – he said.

 For your information:

The annual international event ‘Kyiv Security Forum’, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation in 2007 is a platform for discussion of the most pressing issues concerning the security in Europe and the Black Sea region. The Forum is aimed at promoting security cooperation between the European Union and the Black Sea Region, raising awareness of the development of security among key players and strengthening the role of independent and non-governmental actors in solving security problems in Europe.