OREANDA-NEWS. The United States, along with partners, intends to continue to exert pressure on Russia in the implementation of its Minsk agreements. This follows from a statement released Wednesday by State Department spokesman Morgan Ortegus.

"The United States is committed to working with our allies and partners to continue to pressure Russia to comply with its obligations under the Minsk agreements and to begin the process of peaceful restoration of Ukraine’s full sovereignty over the Donbass. This will be the first step towards the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity within the framework of borders recognized by the international community, including its territorial waters", the document says.

The US approves Ukraine’s reforms necessary for its long-term security and prosperity. The United States supports Ukraine in its advancement in peace talks”, Ortegus added. Moscow has repeatedly emphasized that Russia isn't a party to the conflict in southeastern Ukraine, and the Minsk agreements remain unrealized precisely because the Ukrainian side completely refused to comply with the political points of the agreement, citing unresolved security issues.