Moscow not complying with Minsk agreements, must answer for this – Poroshenko
Russia should be held answerable for failing to comply with its commitments under the Minsk agreements, says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
"The fact that the aggressor is not complying with the obligations it has undertaken is not an excuse for us. On the contrary, the strength of the international coalition in support of Ukraine is based on the fact that we are a responsible country and the aggressor that doesn't comply with its obligations must answer for this, including through a mechanism of sanctions," Poroshenko said at a meeting with newly-elected city mayors on Wednesday.
Ukraine should demonstrate its responsible approach in implementing its obligations, he said.
"Decentralization and the constitutional amendments towards decentralization include a real decentralization of power, the delegation of authority and peace, which is vital for Ukraine today. Without a political settlement and only through a fragile ceasefire, we won't achieve peace," he said.
The president reiterated that foreign troops must be withdrawn, a control over the border must be restored and Ukrainian sovereignty should be brought back both to Crimea and to Donbas.
"Constitutional amendments regarding decentralization are the first step towards this and Ukraine needs your help. After all, you and your communities, your constituencies are chiefly interested in having the amendments implemented," he said addressing the newly-elected mayors.
