麻豆社

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, said in his first interview since a ceasefire was agreed between Russia and Ukraine, that a war between the neighbouring countries is unlikely.

Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy said Putin is wrong: 鈥淧utin is wrong when he said that it is unlikely to have a conflict there, the conflict there is already going on.鈥�

Federica Mogherini also said that she believes the ceasefire can work and challenged a view that the EU isn鈥檛 strong enough to enforce a ceasefire.

鈥淚 believe that foreign policy works if it鈥檚 a win-win situation, and I think that Russians have an interest now, the Russian people for sure have an interest in finding a solution to the crisis, as for sure have the Ukrainians, and all of us Europeans,鈥� she said.

Attempts to bring peace to Ukraine and avert the threat of a dangerous confrontation between east and west are hanging in the balance.

Tuesday 24 February was supposed to be the deadline for the withdrawal of heavy weapons by the Ukrainian forces and the rebels opposing them with the support of Russia.

Each side has accused the other of breaking the ceasefire that was agreed nearly a fortnight ago and there are doubts that the withdrawal will happen.

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