The parties have discussed the situation in the Donbas. They have noted that despite the reduction of the number of shellings since the introduction of the ceasefire regime on December 9, the withdrawal of troops and heavy armament from the delimitation line, border closure and liberation of hostages under the commitments of the parties laid down in the Minsk agreements had not been fulfilled yet. In this context, the President of Ukraine has particularly underlined the necessity to achieve the liberation of all hostages (more than 600 people as for today).

Petro Poroshenko, Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande have agreed that the Trilateral Contact Group should hold a meeting as soon as possible to further implement all items of the Minsk agreements. It is the way to de-escalate the conflict and solve the humanitarian problems of the Donbas.

In this context, the Head of State has informed on the difficult humanitarian situation and outlined the measures of Ukraine to solve this problem. In the coming days, Ukraine will send food and medicine to the affected regions. The mechanism of the Trilateral Contact Group as well as cooperation with international organizations are essential for proper delivery and distribution of the humanitarian aid, as stated by the President.

Also, the parties have discussed the opportunity of increasing macro-financial assistance to Ukraine at bilateral level and the level of international financial organizations.

The parties have agreed with the expediency of continuing dialogue in the Normandy format.