Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini has been leading the Trilateral Contact Group for a year, working towards peaceful resolutions in Ukraine. Her efforts have been acknowledged by various parties involved in the discussions. The group continues to play a crucial role in implementing the Minsk agreements aimed at securing lasting peace.
The establishment of subsidiary working groups is welcomed as part of the February 12 Package of Measures. These groups are tasked with addressing key issues such as heavy weapon withdrawal, ceasefire enforcement, humanitarian aid, economic improvements, local elections preparations, and hostage releases. Specific attention is drawn to individuals like Nadiya Savchenko and Oleg Sentsov.
Progress was noted from the economic working group's meeting on May 14 regarding proposals for restoring infrastructure in Donetsk and Luhansk. However, there was disappointment over the security working group's first meeting on May 19 not yielding results concerning a disengagement plan for Shyrokyne. This delay affects both the group and the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine.
The humanitarian working group is urged to establish international mechanisms for delivering aid to eastern Ukraine while ensuring it reaches vulnerable citizens rather than separatist fighters. The involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross could support these efforts.
For political progress, conditions must be set for free and fair local elections in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts under Ukrainian law and OSCE standards. The need for ODIHR access to separatist-controlled areas is emphasized following reports of blocked access by separatists.
Working groups are encouraged to focus on their tasks without unnecessary discussions about format or representation. They should operate under OSCE chairmanship as outlined in the Minsk agreements.
Russia is called upon to fulfill commitments made by President Putin regarding Minsk implementation. This includes supporting local ceasefires, accepting disengagement plans like that for Shyrokyne, ceasing military support to separatists, releasing hostages, ending Crimea's occupation, and respecting Ukrainian sovereignty.
Ambassador Tagliavini's efforts towards resolving the Russia-Ukraine crisis have been recognized by various stakeholders involved in these discussions.