Given the reluctance of both Kiev and Donetsk to talk directly to each other, it is not clear at this point how far the implementation of the agreement can proceed. But for now the external pressure works.

       As strange as it may be, but Minsk-2 agreement is being implemented by Kiev and Donbass despite heavy resistance from hardliners on both sides. This is happening due to political pressure applied on the parties by the EU, the US and Russia respectively.

       On the last day of August in Ukraine's capital Verhovna Rada passed the first reading of the contested law on regional elections. Confrontation between police and nationalistic radicals escalated to violent clashes, which involved using a hand grenade against the police. Several officers were killed in the action.

       Several days later in Donetsk local security forces has detained Andrey Purgin, after he was dismissed form the post of the speaker of People’s Council under accusations of extremism. This signaled to hardliners that the objective to constitutionally reintegrate Donbass to Ukraine has not changed.

       From his part, Kiev experienced more problems with the extremists, who still enjoy heavy influence on policymaking process in Ukraine. To divert their attention elsewhere and remove the pressure from the capital, Kiev supported what has started as a public campaign of Crimean Tatars leaders Rufat Chubarov and Mustafa Jamilev to put economic blockade on Crimea. On September 22 on the border with Crimea in Herson region of Ukraine Tatar activists and nationalistic radicals set up a camp with an aim to prevent cargo transit to peninsula from Ukraine. This coincided with simultaneous rehearsals of Ukraine’s policy in major cities across the country.

       Given the reluctance of both Kiev and Donetsk to talk directly to each other, it is not clear at this point how far the implementation of the agreement can proceed. But for now the external pressure works – Kiev and Donbass are making steps toward implementation of the Minsk-2 and put pressure on the hardliners who try to prevent this.

       Views expressed are of individual Members and Contributors, rather than the Club's, unless explicitly stated otherwise.