The new agreement had provisions for an immediate cease-fire, | Deepak UPSC Notes

The new agreement had provisions for an immediate cease-fire, withdrawal of heavy weaponry, OSCE monitoring, dialogue on interim self-government for Donetsk and Luhansk, in accordance with Ukrainian law.

It also had provisions related to acknowledgement of special status by parliament, pardon and amnesty for fighters, exchange of hostages and prisoners, humanitarian aid etc.

However, these provisions have not been implemented because of what is popularly known as the ‘Minsk Conundrum’. This essentially means that Ukraine and Russia have contradictory interpretations about the agreement.

What is the Stand of Different Nations on the Issue?

The United States has already announced sanctions prohibiting “new investment, trade, and financing by US persons to, from, or in” the two breakaway regions.

Japan is likely to join the US-led sanctions while French officials have been quoted as saying in reports that the European Union (EU) is also in discussions for punitive actions against Russia.

The EU has condemned Russia over “a blatant violation of international law as well as of the Minsk agreements.”

The United Kingdom has also warned of further sanctions. Australia also called Russia’s actions unacceptable, it's unprovoked, it's unwarranted.

What is India’s Stand on the Issue?

India did not join the Western powers’ condemnation of Russia’s intervention in Crimea and kept a low profile on the issue.