Meetings of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk and the approval of the so-called "Steinmeier formula" open up the possibility of a more active search for a peaceful settlement in Donbas.

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said this in a speech at the European Parliament plenary debate on the situation in Ukraine on Wednesday, October 9.

"In recent weeks, we have witnessed some important developments in the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group. The outcome of the Trilateral Contact Group meeting in Minsk on 1 October, on the so-called Steinmeier formula, is a step that could hopefully lead to some progress towards the full implementation of the Minsk agreements by all parties. It should be clear that the Minsk agreements remain central to reaching a lasting peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, to end the fighting and the suffering of so many people. It is crucial to sustain the progress in disengagement and constructing the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska. And we need a lasting ceasefire, towards the ultimate goal of restoring Ukraine’s control of its whole territory," Mogherini stressed.

"We have never stopped supporting the work of the Normandy format, the Trilateral Contact Group, and the OSCE. And we will continue to do so until Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully restored," she noted.

At the same time, Mogherini stressed that Ukraine is still suffering a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Crimea is Ukraine, Donbas is Ukraine. And the European Union will continue to keep this position in the most unequivocal and united manner," she said.

In addition, she welcomed the recent exchange of prisoners between Ukraine and Russia. "We continue to call on Russia to release all illegally detained Ukrainians, and to ensure free passage through the Kerch Strait in accordance with international law," she said.

"We are also investing in the infrastructure and security of the south-eastern regions of Ukraine that are affected by the situation in the Kerch Strait. We should never forget or underestimate these immense challenges that Ukraine is still facing. And at the same, we continue to believe in the immense potential of Ukraine and its people and invest in it," the EU High Representative stated.

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