In the struggle for peace in the war zone in eastern Ukraine, the conflict parties have reached an important understanding.
In the Belarusian capital Minsk, representatives of the Ukrainian government and the pro-Russian separatists from Luhansk and Donetsk handed over letters to the ambassador of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Martin Sajdik, in which they called the so-called Steinmeier formula for the war zone Donbass which should be included in a Ukrainian legislative procedure. Sajdik explained after the meeting.
The formula, named after Federal President and former Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD), provides for the organization of local elections in accordance with OSCE standards in the areas controlled by the separatists and special status for these areas. However, the Ukrainian and Russian sides interpret the processes differently in this solution.
Selenskyj puts conditions: "No elections under gunfire"
Russian media reported in the evening again and again, both sides had signed the "Steinmeier formula". But that was not the case in Kiev.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj said at a hastily convened press conference in the Ukrainian capital that he supported the formula. He emphasized, however, that local elections in Donbass will only take place if Russian and Russian-backed forces withdraw and Ukraine regains control of its eastern border. There will be "no elections under gunfire," Selenskyj said. This is the main condition of Ukraine.
New law to the Donbass
Selenskyi announced that he would now draw up a new law on the status of Donbass, with the previous one expiring at the end of December. The "Steinmeier formula" should be included in the new one. How exactly is unclear. This law should be discussed with the involvement of the public, "it will not exceed a red line," said Selensky.
In recent weeks there has been discussion about the formula in Ukraine. For if the OSCE designates the elections in Donbass as free and fair, the understanding of the formula automatically gives the region a special status in Eastern Ukraine - without further consultation with the Parliament of Ukraine.
Selenskyj also demanded that there should be another prisoner exchange between Ukraine and the separatists supported by Russia.
Retreat of troops from 7 October
In Minsk, another withdrawal of troops was agreed on Tuesday. This process is called unbundling. It should lead to the towns of Petriwske and Solote to a demilitarization. According to OSCE information, this should start again on 7 October. As early as autumn 2016, both front sections had been demilitarized for a short time.
Selenskyj announced that soon a new summit meeting in the so-called Normandy format with the states of France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia could take place in Paris. He did not name an exact date.
Since the fighting began over five years ago, more than 13,000 people have died in Donbass, according to UN figures.