Lithuanian specialist will help Ukraine implement reforms, foreign minister says

In the meeting, the president of Ukraine assured that the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement would be ratified in September.

“There were various signals that it was stalling, but we were assured that everything was going strictly in accordance with the schedule. The president is sure that the Association Agreement with the EU will be ratified in September by the outgoing Rada. As you know, it was announced that the Rada was dismissed and new elections were announced for October, but until that time the old Rada will continue working,” Linkevičius explained.

The head of Lithuania’s diplomacy hopes that parliamentary election will run smoothly and peacefully.

“Hopefully, the security situation will improve before that, although we have seen no indications suggesting this yet, even before today’s meeting in Minsk,” said Linkevičius.

The foreign minister noted that “it is difficult to expect a breakthrough” during Tuesday’s multilateral meeting in Minsk, which will be attended by leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and the European Union, as “the background is very unfavourable”.

“It is especially worrying that on the eve of the meeting the situation exacerbated – 30 armoured vehicles and tanks crossed the border, and 10 paratroopers were detained in the territory of Ukraine. When civilian cargo vehicles cross the border, it can be regarded as a grave violation of international law, but when open military invasion is taking place, these are signs of aggression,” said Linkevičius.

He says he still hopes that discussions among the leaders will help find leverage to stop the armed conflict.

“Weapon supply to terrorist groups should be stopped by the Russian side, otherwise it is difficult to expect any solution of the conflict,” said Linkevičius.