In the Minsk Protocol, signed on September 5, 2014, by Russia’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Russia agreed to the “immediate release of all hostages and illegally detained persons.”
In the Package of Measures agreed in Minsk on February 12, 2015, Russia again agreed to “provide release and exchange of all hostages and illegally held persons.”
Despite these agreements, Russia continues to hold Nadiya Savchenko, an elected member of Ukraine’s parliament, hostage
We have seen reports that Ms. Savchenko has decided to take a small step to prevent the further deterioration of her health, but we remain gravely concerned about her physical condition.
We once again call on Russia to implement the agreements it has made in Minsk over the past six months and immediately release Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, and all other Ukrainian hostages and illegally detained persons.
Thank you, Madam. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna
