Russia-backed plan for UN peacekeepers in Donbass may bring peace, lifting of sanctions – German Foreign Minister

‘Berlin welcomes Moscow’s proposal for a UN mission to be sent to eastern Ukraine to uphold the shaky ceasefire and kick-start a political process that could lead to the lifting of sanctions on Russia, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel told RT.
In an exclusive interview to RT Deutsch, Gabriel called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s peacekeeping initiative “the first right step” on the road to a comprehensive political settlement in Ukraine.
“What we need to do now is to carry out negotiations aimed at the implementation of such a ceasefire, withdrawal of heavy weaponry. Thanks to the Russian proposal we are able to do this now,” Gabriel said. Although there is disagreement on the details of the mission between Russia, Ukraine, and other parties, it should not serve as an obstacle to dialogue, Gabriel said.
Pointing out that both the Ukrainian forces and the rebels are to blame for repeated violations of the ceasefire, Gabriel said that Berlin has long been in favor of deploying a “robust armed UN mission” to eastern Ukraine.’
Read more: Russia-backed plan for UN peacekeepers in Donbass may bring peace, lifting of sanctions – German Foreign Minister