Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

95. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views regarding the increasing tensions in eastern Ukraine which have seen soldiers, militants and civilians killed recently; his views that the ceasefire may still hold; and his further views over possible gas and fuel shortages in Ukraine as winter approaches. [37727/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am continuing to closely monitor ongoing developments in eastern Ukraine, which remains an issue warranting our deep concern and attention.

While the situation remains fragile and infractions have occurred, the ceasefire agreed in Minsk last month between Ukraine and pro-Russian rebels is continuing to hold in large part. It is crucial now that all sides respect their commitments and work to consolidate and to build upon this ceasefire to secure a sustainable peace. In this regard, I am encouraged by the constructive negotiations of the OSCE trilateral contact group in recent days, including the marking out of a proposed 30km buffer zone in eastern Ukraine from which government forces and separatists will remove heavy weapons. I hope to see further progress on a sustainable political solution, based on the principle of respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and with clear guarantees on border security, disarmament of all illegal groups and the withdrawal of foreign forces.

On the key issue of energy supplies, there have been gas talks between Russia and Ukraine. At a meeting in Berlin on 25 September, both sides agreed to consider a compromise proposal put forward by the European Commission aimed at breaking the deadlock to ensure gas supply to Ukraine for the winter. The proposal would see Ukraine settle its debts in two payments, the first of $2 billion in October and the second of $1.1 billion by the end of the year. In return, Gazprom and Naftogaz would deliver 5 billion cubic meters, the minimum sufficient volume of gas which Ukraine considers is required for the winter months, with the possibility of ordering more gas if needed.

If agreed, this proposal should be binding on both parties. An interim agreement like this is necessary as the dispute has been referred by both Russia and Ukraine to the international arbitration court in Stockholm, with a final decision only expected next year. I am hopeful that the interim agreement will be finalised in the coming days in order to ensure a more certain outlook for the winter months.