Russian offensive in Ukraine a ‘step back’ for conflict resolution

Steinmeier came to Poland’s capital for an unexpected one-day visit to meet with Schetyna to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

Recent events in Mariupol and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine mark “a bitter retreat in the process to resolve the conflict,” the German head of diplomacy said.

“The peace process talks are at stalemate and we all see this, but every intiative which seeks for an alternative means to look for a new solution to this difficult situation is greeted with open arms and will be supported by us,” said Poland’s Foreign Minister Grzegorz Schetyna ahead of the bilateral meeting.

“We want effective policy, effective diplomacy, and we want to resolve this conflict together,” Schetyna said, calling for greater EU solidarity.

Steinmeier additionally underlined that despite different attitudes within Europe towards the Ukraine crisis, the EU has managed to take a unilateral stance on the conflict.

All eyes on Kiev

Meanwhile, Thursday’s meeting coincided with German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s and French President Francois Hollande’s impending visit to Kiev to meet Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

The Franco-German delegation is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday as the situation in eastern Ukraine worsens.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry is already in Kiev, Thursday, to meet with President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

According to Reuters, Kerry is to propose a USD 16.4 million aid package for civilians living in pro-Russian rebel-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine. (jb)

Source: IAR/PAP/Reuters