It is good that Ukraine’s Rada elected a new Prime Minister today. This means that there is now a chance to put an end to the period of political uncertainly in Kyiv. The reform process now urgently needs to be continued. Ukraine has no time to lose. A stable and effective Government is crucial , and not only as a prerequisite for actively combating corruption and implementing further reform in Ukraine.

It is also essential if there is finally to be progress on implementing the Minsk agreements. The latest OSCE reports detailing a rise in ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine are worrying; tensions may escalate again at any time. We need fresh momentum in the political process too, if we are to get on with preparations for local elections in eastern Ukraine at long last. We therefore hope and except that the new Government in Kyiv will clearly declare its commitment to implementing the Minsk agreements.

I wish the new Prime Minister, Volodymyr Groysman, the best of success with the difficult tasks that he now faces. Germany will continue to do all it can to support Ukraine in its efforts.