Ukraine: agreement on a cease-fire agreement in Minsk

"There is still a lot of work but what we have is a real chance to improve the situation."

An agreement on a cease-fire in eastern Ukraine was signed this morning in Minsk after sixteen hours of talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko, and the French and German leaders .

This agreement shall come into force at midnight Sunday. It provides for the withdrawal, within two weeks, fighters and heavy weapons, the establishment of an extended buffer zone of 50 to 70 km along the front line, and the release of prisoners. The roadmap was signed by Kiev and the representatives of the pro-Russian rebels. The negotiators ensured that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine will be respected.

François Hollande spoke of 'a comprehensive political settlement, even if everything is not done yet, "said the French president, who speaks of a' real chance to improve the situation. ''

The discussions lasted all night in a visibly tense atmosphere. This morning, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko stated that certain conditions the Russians were '' unacceptable ''. The separatists have requested including the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army Debaltseve. The discussions also focused on the demarcation line and the status of the regions conquered by the rebels.