The political crisis in Ukraine is coming to an end, as a recent agreement has been reached to settle the conflict. This development is a significant milestone for the country, which has been grappling with political instability since the Euromaidan protests in 2014.
The agreement was signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and representatives from France and Germany in Paris on December 9th, 2019. The agreement aims to bring an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which erupted in 2014 following Russia`s annexation of Crimea.
Under the terms of the agreement, a ceasefire was declared in the Donbass region, which has been the epicenter of the conflict. The withdrawal of troops and weapons from the front lines is mandated in the agreement, and the exchange of prisoners is also part of the deal.
The agreement is seen as a significant achievement for Zelensky, who was elected in April 2019. He ran on a platform of ending the conflict and improving relations with Russia, and the signing of this agreement is a step in that direction. The agreement also marks a breakthrough in the Normandy Format talks, a diplomatic initiative involving France, Germany, Ukraine, and Russia.
The war in eastern Ukraine has claimed the lives of over 13,000 people since 2014, and the economic toll has been immense. The conflict has severely impacted Ukraine`s economy, and the sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia have also been damaging.
The agreement is expected to help Ukraine`s economy by lifting some of the sanctions, and by improving the country`s access to the global market. The conflict has also been a source of political instability within Ukraine, and the resolution of the crisis is expected to help stabilize the country`s political situation.
The agreement is not without its critics, however, who argue that it does not go far enough in addressing the root causes of the conflict. Some believe that the agreement gives too much power to Russia, who they say is the instigator of the conflict.
Despite the criticism, this agreement represents a significant step towards ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine. It is hoped that it will lead to a lasting peace in the region, and that the people of Ukraine can finally turn their attention to rebuilding their country and economy.