You're reading: Kerry says Savchenko’s release should provide impetus for Minsk accords complete implementation

United States Secretary of State John Kerry has said that the release of Ukrainian pilot Nadia Savchenko should provide impetus for the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements.

“I welcome today’s news that Nadia Savchenko has returned to Ukraine, and the Government of Ukraine’s humanitarian decision to release two Russian service members captured on Ukrainian soil, and convicted of terrorism-related charges,” according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of State.

He recalled that nearly two years ago, Savchenko was captured in combat in eastern Ukraine and forcibly taken against her will into Russia.

“Her release, after a long ordeal that included solitary confinement, is an important part of fulfilling Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements and should now provide impetus for their complete implementation. This includes a real, comprehensive, and sustained ceasefire in eastern Ukraine; full access for the OSCE to the area affected by the conflict; elections under Ukrainian law that meet OSCE standards and are monitored by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR); the withdrawal of foreign forces and equipment; and the return to Ukraine of full control over its international border,” Kerry said.

The U.S. state secretary also called on Russia to abide by its Minsk commitments by releasing all hostages and unlawfully detained persons.