He also stressed, however, "Peace has not yet been won in Ukraine, and we still have a long way to go". Although, this marks "an important step, the litmus test is still to come," added Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Respect for the outcome of negotiations

The outcome of the Geneva talks deserves respect, pointed out the Federal Foreign Minister. He found it a positive sign, that the ministers of foreign affairs of Ukraine, Russia and the USA, and the EU’s High Representative, had agreed on specific, practical steps to de-escalate the situation.

The parties agreed on the renunciation of violence, the disarming of illegal groups, the clearing of occupied buildings and freedom from prosecution. The OSCE, which is acting as an independent observer in Ukraine, should play a leading part in implementing the agreement.

"Now we must prove that the agreement hammered out in Geneva is more than just a piece of paper; that it can change politics," said the Federal Foreign Minister.

Angela Merkel and Barack Obama talk by phone

Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama talked by phone on Thursday about the crisis in Ukraine. Both are concerned about the situation in the east of the country, said deputy government spokesperson Christiane Wirtz in Berlin.

Angela Merkel and Barack Obama have thus called on Russia to help de-escalate developments. In particular, Moscow must use the influence it has over armed groups in eastern Ukraine to defuse tensions.

The US President and the Chancellor agreed to coordinate further measures closely, should continued escalation make this necessary.

Agreement at the four-way talks

A few hours after the telephone call on Thursday evening, the four-way talks in Geneva produced agreement on gradual de-escalation. This includes disarming illegal armed groups in all regions of Ukraine. The buildings occupied by pro-Russian activists are also to be cleared.