US at OSCE calls on Russia to implement Minsk agreements

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, he said this at a regular meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna.

"Last week, our Russian colleague again chose to present Moscow's alternative reality. Without evidence, he accused Ukraine of undermining the implementation of the Measures to Strengthen the Ceasefire, and then argued that new discussions on the TCG's political track would not be possible until Ukraine met its commitments. That's Moscow's rationale for obstructing the peace process while brushing off its own commitments as a signatory of the Minsk agreements," Donegan said.

The U.S. diplomat called on Russia to "resume a constructive approach to negotiations."

"Since Russia exacerbated tensions in the region this March by launching a massive military buildup of troops and equipment in Russia-occupied Crimea and along its border with Ukraine, it has provided no transparency on these activities. This is not the behavior of a government working constructively toward peace," Donegan said.

He also noted that although Russia consistently accuses Ukraine of ceasefire violations, the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission constantly reports that the majority of violations are occurring in areas of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russia-led forces.

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