Ukraine – Joint statement issued by Jean-Yves Le Drian and Heiko Maas, Foreign Ministers of France and Germany (16 Apr. 2020)

Today’s exchange of prisoners related to the conflict represents significant progress toward implementing the Minsk agreements and the conclusions of the summit in Paris on December 9, 2019. France and Germany commend the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group, under the leadership of Ambassador Heidi Grau, to achieve this exchange.

France and Germany reaffirm their attachment to the full implementation of the conclusions of the summit on December 9, notably with respect to upholding the ceasefire, mine clearance, the opening of new crossing points and the identification of new disengagement zones. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine must have safe, secure and unimpeded access throughout the entire Ukrainian territory, including in the areas not controlled by the government, in accordance with its mandate.