U.S. says Russia violating 'spirit' of Ukraine peace deal
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 14 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. says Russia violating 'spirit' of Ukraine peace deal, 14 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5509409a15.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 14, 2015
A Ukrainian tank drives on a road not far from the eastern Ukrainian city of Debaltseve on February 13, 2015.
The United States has accused Russia and pro-Russian rebels of violating "the spirit" of a fresh peace deal for eastern Ukraine.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Russia had deployed an air defense system at Debaltseve, along with "a large amount of artillery and multiple rocket launcher systems."
"This is clearly not in the spirit of this week's agreement," Psaki said.
She added that Washington had intelligence that Russia is preparing to send a large shipment of supplies to the rebels.
The White House is under increasing pressure from Congress to supply Ukraine with lethal weapons.
Ahead of a cease-fire on February 15, rebels have stepped up attacks on Ukrainian forces in Debaltseve, a town midway between the rebel strongholds of Donetsk and Luhansk.
The violence has dimmed hopes for the peace accord sealed on February 12 in Minsk by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expressed fresh doubt about the Minsk deal.
"Nobody has a strong belief that the peace conditions which were signed in Minsk will be implemented strictly," Poroshenko said.
G7 countries said they were ready to take "appropriate measures" against those who violate the agreement, an apparent threat of more economic sanctions against Russia.
In a joint statement issued by the French presidency, the G7 leaders said they remained concerned about the situation in eastern Ukraine and in particular about fighting around the town of Debaltseve ahead of the February 15 cease-fire.
"All parties should refrain from actions in the coming days that would hinder the start of the ceasefire," the statement said.
Ukrainian military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said 11 soldiers had been killed and 40 wounded in the past 24 hours.
"Rebels are repeatedly storming the strongholds and base camp of Ukrainian forces," in and around Debaltseve as well as firing artillery, mortars and rockets, Lysenko said, stressing that government troops had held their positions.
Psaki also accused Russia of backing out of another key part of the agreement – a pledge by all sides to release illegally held prisoners and hostages.
Psaki said that Nadia Savchenko, a Ukrainian air force officer imprisoned in Moscow and charged in the deaths of two Russian journalists in east Ukraine, would not be freed.
"She's a hostage of the Russian government and she must be released immediately," Psaki said.
"This week's agreement calls for the exchange of all hostages and illegally held persons taken during the conflict. In our view, this clearly includes Nadia Savchenko."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia had not promised to free Savchenko.
Peskov said her case would be decided by a Russian court.
With reporting by AP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
