Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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903. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the European Union continues to engage with the Russian and Ukrainian authorities with a view to achieving a permanent settlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38410/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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The EU is at the forefront of international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The key to resolving the conflict remains the comprehensive implementation of the Minsk Agreements. This requires a genuine and complete ceasefire, the removal of heavy weapons and progress on the political track, including arrangements for local elections in eastern Ukraine, the withdrawal of all foreign forces and equipment from Ukraine and the restoration of Ukrainian control over its border with Russia. There has been some progress in recent weeks. The security situation has improved considerably with a very significant reduction in violence. Heavy and light weaponry have begun to be withdrawn from the contact line in accordance with an agreed schedule. These developments have facilitated progress on the political track. At the Normandy Format (France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine) Heads of State Summit in Paris on 2 October, a broad agenda for progress was agreed. While this progress is welcome, other key elements of the Minsk Agreements need to be implemented. It is incumbent on all sides to do everything in their power to ensure the full implementation of the Agreements. In this regard, the EU is playing an important role in advancing the political process with a view to securing a stable, lasting peace in Ukraine.

It is expected that Ukraine and other Eastern Partner countries will be discussed at the next EU Foreign Affairs Council.