Edward Lucas: In Minsk we saw capitulation of Europe

Russia has undermined the European system of security with impunity.

Today in Minsk talks have finished, in which leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France discussed with Vladimir Putin different variants of settlement of the military conflict in Donbas. The senior editor at The Economist magazine Edward Lucas commented on the situation in an interview to Radio Svaboda.

“From the humanitarian point of view, ceasefire should be certainly welcomed, and especially if exchange of captives is to take place at the same time.

However, from the point of view of the European security it is really a black day, Russia has undermined the system of security, which had been guaranteeing us peace and freedom, and it has done that with impunity.

And what we saw in Minsk was talks on the terms of capitulation, and which is worse, is the fact that so many people are not aware of that,” he said.

The talks of the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and German in Minsk lasted for 17 hours. As a result, the sides managed to agree upon a document which envisages a total ceasefire, exchange of prisoners, as well as moves on implementation of Minsk agreements, reached back in September.