During the general debate in the German Bundestag Federal Chancellor Merkel praised the announcement of a unilateral ceasefire. The truce, which was called by Ukrainian President Poroshenko and is set to last until Friday, now requires vigorous action by the Russian side if any substantial progress is to be made, she said.
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"President Poroshenko made a very brave move last Friday by declaring a unilateral ceasefire", Merkel said in the German Bundestag on Wednesday.
The ceasefire lasts until Friday of this week. "We need substantial progress so long-term talks can begin", said the Chancellor. “Naturally, Ukraine expects the European Union to react if we don’t see all sides, including Russia, contributing."
"First steps" have been made, Merkel stated, citing President Putin's request to the Federal Council on Tuesday to revoke its permission for military intervention in Ukraine. "This is an important point, psychologically speaking."
Merkel also commended President Putin for condemning the shooting down of a Ukrainian helicopter. She also emphasised that "a dialogue must take place in the region." However, the Chancellor is concerned that "progress has been too slow" until now. There have even been some steps backwards, with three border crossings having been retaken by the separatists, "as the Ukrainian army stands there, having committed itself not to do anything."
This is why we continue to urge Russia strongly to control the border with Ukraine effectively and prevent the inflow of arms and fighters, government spokesperson Seibert added in Berlin. Russia must exert its "influence on the separatists in a visible way". If Ukrainian soldiers are attacked and killed despite the ceasefire, the peace initiative will be threatened, Seibert stressed.
The Chancellor reiterated Germany's stance: "We will do everything in order to achieve progress in the coming hours and days. We will have to wait and see how President Poroshenko assesses the situation when he is in Brussels on Friday.” After the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, the Ukrainian President was invited to participate briefly in the European Council meeting and report on the current situation.
"We help in any way we can, because we believe that diplomatic solutions are preferable to all other solutions - all others", Merkel emphasised. However, she also added, "if nothing else helps, sanctions can be put back on the agenda, and this time they would be third-stage."