Reuters: Hollande, Merkel, Putin back bid for new Ukraine ceasefire
The leaders of France, Germany and Russia backed a new ceasefire in eastern Ukraine in a three-way phone call on Saturday, but offered contrasting views of why February's peace deal is in trouble.
Daily clashes between the two forces killing civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists, have undermined the deal struck in the Belarus capital Minsk. Both sides have blamed the other for the violations.
In separate statements, France's Francois Hollande and Germany's Angela Merkel said the three leaders backed efforts to reinstate an effective ceasefire, while a statement
by Russia's President Vladimir Putin blamed Kiev for failing to implement key terms of the peace deal.
Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists agreed on Aug. 26 to strive for an end to all truce violations from next Tuesday, the OSCE and rebel representatives have said.
WNU editor: This German-Russian-French effort is going to fail. The people who need to talk are the Ukrainians themselves .... the central Ukraine government needs to re-engage with the separatist east, and the Russian rebels will need to compromise and accept the fact that they will be apart of Ukraine and not independent and/or a part of Russia. Unfortunately .... with the current leaders in place .... I just do not see that happening.
More News On Russia, Germany, And France Seeking A New Ceasefire In Ukraine
France: Hollande, Merkel, Putin Back Truce Plan For Eastern Ukraine -- Radio Free Europe
Merkel, Hollande inform Putin on adherence to Minsk agreements -- Kyiv Post
France and Germany Warn Vladimir Putin About Ukraine Separatist Elections -- WSJ
Merkel Warns Putin That East Ukraine Vote Must Conform to Law -- Bloomberg
Merkel, Hollande Said to Re-Engage With Putin on Ukraine -- Bloomberg