EU Mediates Political Crisis Agreement Between Ukrainian Government and Opposition
President Yanukovych and opposition leaders sign agreement calling for early elections and constitutional reforms in attempt to end deadly crisis
Diplomatic Breakthrough
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders sign EU-mediated agreement aimed at ending the political crisis that has claimed over 100 lives in recent days.
Historic Agreement Signed in Kyiv
KYIV, Ukraine - February 21, 2014 - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and leaders of the parliamentary opposition have signed a landmark agreement to settle the country’s deepest political crisis since independence, following intensive mediation by European Union foreign ministers.
The agreement, witnessed by foreign ministers from Germany, France, and Poland, calls for immediate steps to de-escalate the violence that has gripped central Kyiv and claimed dozens of lives over the past week.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Agreement Highlights
The agreement establishes several critical measures:
Constitutional Changes: A return to the 2004 Constitution within 48 hours, reducing presidential powers and strengthening the parliamentary system.
Early Presidential Elections: Presidential elections to be held no later than December 2014, significantly ahead of the scheduled 2015 timeline.
Government of National Trust: Formation of a coalition government representing all political forces within 10 days.
Security Measures: Immediate withdrawal of security forces from central Kyiv and cessation of all violence by both sides.
International Mediation
The breakthrough came after marathon negotiations involving EU representatives who flew to Kyiv as the crisis reached its deadliest point. The mediation team included:
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier (German Foreign Minister)
- Laurent Fabius (French Foreign Minister)
- Radosław Sikorski (Polish Foreign Minister)
This agreement represents a chance for Ukraine to step back from the brink and find a peaceful path forward. All parties must now implement these provisions in good faith.
Russian representative Vladimir Lukin attended the talks but did not sign the agreement, citing the need for further consultations with Moscow.
Opposition Response
Opposition leaders who signed the agreement expressed cautious optimism while acknowledging the challenges ahead:
- Vitali Klitschko (UDAR party leader)
- Arseniy Yatsenyuk (Fatherland party leader)
- Oleh Tyahnybok (Svoboda party leader)
The opposition had initially demanded Yanukovych’s immediate resignation but agreed to the timeline for early elections as a compromise to end the bloodshed.
Implementation Timeline
The agreement establishes specific deadlines for implementation:
- Within 24 hours: Withdrawal of security forces from government quarter
- Within 48 hours: Return to 2004 Constitution
- Within 10 days: Formation of national unity government
- By December 2014: Presidential elections
Maidan Protesters React
Initial reaction from protesters on Independence Square was mixed, with some welcoming the agreement while others expressed skepticism about Yanukovych’s commitment to implementation. Many protesters indicated they would maintain their presence until concrete steps were taken.
Implementation Concerns
Despite the agreement, tensions remain high with some protesters demanding immediate resignation of the president and expressing distrust in the implementation process.
Background to the Crisis
The current crisis began in November 2013 when Yanukovych suspended preparations for an association agreement with the European Union, opting instead for closer economic ties with Russia. The decision sparked initial protests that gradually evolved into broader demands for political change.
The situation escalated dramatically in recent weeks, culminating in the deadly violence of February 18-20 that shocked the international community and prompted urgent diplomatic intervention.
International Stakes
The agreement comes at a critical moment for Ukraine’s geopolitical orientation, with both the European Union and Russia maintaining significant interests in the country’s future direction.
EU officials have emphasized that the association agreement remains available for signature once political stability is restored, while Russia has indicated its concerns about Ukraine’s potential drift toward Western institutions.
Next Steps
The immediate focus shifts to implementation, with all parties acknowledging that the agreement’s success depends on good faith efforts from both government and opposition forces.
International monitors are expected to oversee the implementation process, while EU officials have indicated readiness to provide additional support for the transition period.
The agreement represents a crucial test of whether Ukraine can resolve its political differences through dialogue rather than violence, with implications extending far beyond the country’s borders.