The agreement includes a series of steps in order to end the crisis in eastern Ukraine according to which illegal armed groups should be disarmed, illegally seized buildings, occupied streets, squares and public places should be vacated and amnesty will be granted to those arrested during the riots in the cities of Southeast Ukraine.

Also, Ukraine will start drafting constitutional reform with a view to promoting regional autonomy, local self-governance and protection of minority rights.

The joint statement refers that “The Geneva meeting on the situation in Ukraine reached initial concrete steps to de-escalate tension and restore security for all citizens” adding that “All sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions”.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the U.S. and Russia said they would provide additional assistance to OSCE observers already present in Ukraine to ensure that the steps for the de-escalation will be followed as stated in the agreement .

In Geneva, however, there were no discussions on lifting sanctions imposed by the U.S. on Russian citizens while John Kerry warned that unless the de-escalation is successful, there will be “additional consequences”.

As it is mentioned in the Financial Times, the terms of the agreement are similar to the previous efforts made to end the crisis. These were quickly abandoned by all sides as the disarmament of armed groups was part of the original agreement between the Ministers of Foreign affairs of the EU before the escape of President Yanukovych in February.