Foreign Min. calls on Russia for full Ukraine cease-fire

Minister Bert Koenders (Foreign Affairs) called on the international community, including Russia, to fully comply with the Minsk agreement, starting with a complete cease-fire and a withdrawal of heavy equipment in the Ukraine. He did this during a conversation with his Russian colleague Sergey Lavrov.

Koenders welcomes the Minsk agreement between Ukraine, Russia Germany and France, but is still worried about the situation in eastern Ukraine. "The agreements are only partially fulfilled."

He also emphasized the importance of humanitarian access and supplies and the implementation of the political elements of the agreement. Koenders stated that the Netherlands is also willing to make a contribution through the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).