News from Berlin - After the expiration of the 10-day ceasefire on Monday the fighting in Eastern Ukraine has once again escalated. Hundreds have been killed, which both sides putting the blame on each other. The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France have now met in Berlin where they agreed on a so called “package of measures” which are steps toward a bilateral ceasefire. The agreements included a sit down with the pro-Russian rebels to be held no later than July 5th. This must first be accepted during the meeting with the Contact Group that consists of representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), where the condition of a truce that would satisfy all sides will be discussed and developed.The most important part of the peace plans for the Ukrainian side is that Ukraine should be given greater control of its borders, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin who also emphasizes the importance of acceptance of the peace plan brought forward by the Ukrainian President, amongst others. The negotiations about a new truce is estimated to begin no later than Saturday this week.

News from Berlin – Berlin Global