Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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170. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the conflict in eastern Ukraine; his position regarding military assistance from other States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7476/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The conflict in eastern Ukraine has escalated rapidly in recent weeks. The upsurge in violence and the increasing number of casualties, in particular innocent civilians caught up in the fighting, has been deeply troubling.

I welcome the agreement reached in Minsk on 12 February, following all-night talks involving Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, President Poroshenko and President Putin. The package of measures signed by the parties to the conflict offers hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, which has claimed over 5,400 lives and forced almost a million people to flee their homes. The agreement provides for a ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons in eastern Ukraine. It also provides a timetable for the implementation of key parts of the September Minsk Agreements, including those relating to elections, border control and prisoner exchange.

The true test of last week's accord will be in its full implementation. The ceasefire came into effect at midnight on Saturday, and the OSCE has reported that it is largely holding, except in the Debaltseve area where attacks continue. It is crucial that the parties abide by their commitments to end the fighting as the next step involves the withdrawal of heavy weapons and it is important that this process begins without delay.

A comprehensive and lasting ceasefire remains central to a de-escalation of the conflict. I support the calls on Russia to exercise its influence on the separatists to fully implement the commitments they entered into in Minsk.

At the informal European Council held on 12 February, Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande briefed EU leaders on the outcome of the Minsk talks. President Poroshenko also addressed the meeting and provided a realistic assessment of what was agreed. Leaders assured President Poroshenko of the EU's full backing for his efforts to restore peace in Ukraine and to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also considered practical ways of supporting implementation of the agreement, including through further humanitarian assistance and strengthening of the OSCE Mission.

Unity and consistency has characterised the EU's actions in response of the Ukrainian crisis to date. It is crucial that this unity is maintained as it is key to our influence and our effectiveness.

We have consistently stated that there can be no military solution to the crisis in Ukraine. The initiative undertaken by Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande was aimed at reviving the September Minsk Agreements and bringing an end to the current spiral of violence. The focus must now be on implementing the commitments in last week's accord, including the withdrawal of heavy weapons. Providing lethal military equipment would risk undermining these diplomatic efforts to find a political resolution to the crisis.