German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier has said that infighting among political parties in Ukraine's governing coalition cannot be allowed to prevent the government from carrying out its reform obligations under the Minsk accords.

Speaking at a joint press conference on February 23 with the Ukrainian and French foreign ministers after talks in Kyiv, Steinmeier said the key steps on implementing the Minsk agreement still must be taken.

He said Russia also must be ready to implement the Minsk deal.

He said Germany and France will continue to support Ukraine's reform efforts but expect Kyiv to continue with reforms in return to help revive the economy and carry out the Minsk deal, which was reached in the Belarusian capital a year ago.

Steinmeier warned Kyiv that the International Monetary Fund was looking for political "stability" before offering further loans to Ukraine.

Kyiv claims Russia is violating the Minsk agreement by sending troops and weapons to back up pro-Russia separatists in the east.

But Ukraine has so far failed on its pledge to enact reforms that would increase autonomy for Ukraine's eastern regions and allow local elections there.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP