“The United States is prepared to consider rolling back sanctions on Russia when the Minsk agreements of September 2014, and now this agreement, are fully implemented,” Kerry said.
Before the United States decides whether to ease sanctions on Russia, Kerry said that the United States would need to see a full ceasefire in Ukraine, the “withdrawal of all foreign troops and equipment from Ukraine,” and the “full restoration of Ukrainian control of the international border.”
On Thursday, the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, Russia, and France worked out a reconciliation deal including 13 points aimed at ending the military confrontation between Kiev forces and independence supporters in eastern Ukraine.
The deal includes an unconditional ceasefire coming into force at midnight on February 15, urges Kiev to undertake constitutional reform with a focus on Ukraine’s decentralization, as well as stipulates the withdrawal of all foreign armed groups, equipment and mercenaries from eastern Ukraine under the observation of the OSCE.
