(VOA) BRUSSELS—When the so-called Minsk II deal was signed on February 12, everyone knew its implementation would be — in the words of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko — "very difficult."
Now, nearly two weeks later, the agreed cease-fire is sketchy at best. Russia-backed separatists have taken the strategic rail hub of Debaltseve and continue to press against areas around the city of Mariupol. NATO's top commander, U.S. General Philip Breedlove, said on February 20 that "it is a cease-fire in name only."
The agreed withdrawal of heavy weapons is haltingly under way but with significant delays and inadequate monitoring by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). […]
See the full article ("As Minsk II Flounders, Europe Scrambles For Backup Plan") © Voice of America
