Ukraine FM Agrees on “Steinmeier Formula” for Donbas

The “Steinmeier formula” will be used to implement the Minsk agreement, according to information provided by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Vadym Prystaiko during a recent session of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration and the Foreign Affairs Committee, as reported by a Hromadske correspondent.

The Steinmeier Formula is a peace plan proposed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, which stipulates that the Donbas will receive self-government status after local elections are held in the currently-occupied territories.

FM Prystaiko said this decision was reached during a Normandy format meeting involving representatives from four countries on 2 September, saying that “The law on the unique status [of the occupied territories] will take effect the moment elections are held.” 

He added that elections cannot be held unless Ukraine is ensured both a secure environment and full control of the Ukrainian-Russian border.