U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt has said he hopes that the parties to the conflict in eastern Ukraine will focus on the implementation of the Minsk agreements, but notes that Russia is escalating the situation contrary to the agreements.
When asked what format of talks is needed to resolve the crisis in Donbas, due to the fact that Russia believes the Geneva format of talks is a closed chapter, Pyatt told reporters in Kyiv on Wednesday, Nov. 19 that he hoped that all conflicting sides would focus on the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
At the same time, he said that Russia was failing to honor its commitments under the Minsk peace agreements to help restore control over the Ukrainian-Russian border, release all prisoners and withdraw its troops from Ukraine.
Pyatt said that Russia had done exactly the opposite by sending additional tanks and heavy equipment into Ukraine, further inflaming the situation and deepening the crisis.
