It will be attended by the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Chancellor of Germany.
The Belarusian capital has gained a reputation of successful diplomatic center and two positive meetings on the Ukrainian issue were held here in August. The contact group Russia-Ukraine - OSCE adopted minimal agreements, which helped to subside the military activity in the region.
Hans Koehler, professor of philosophy at the University of Innsbruck, president of the International Progress Organization (Austria): "It is very important for the Ukrainian situation with deep internal conflict and the involvement of external actors, to meet on neutral territory and find a reliable mediator in the conflict. This is exactly what is happening in Minsk today. Therefore, Minsk became a venue for negotiations. These are difficult negotiations because there is a war with the local actors and great powers, who fight for influence. NATO and the European Union and Russia are fighting for influence and power in the region. There is a noncontact war between the United States and the Russian Federation."
Some news agencies, citing their sources claim that the parties have already agreed on a cease-fire, the withdrawal of heavy weapons and control over it. In particular they talk about the establishment of a demilitarized zone between 40 and 70 kilometers, and the status of wide autonomy for the Donbass.
More cautious politicians and experts say that a good decision would be complete cease-fire, the withdrawal of heavy artillery positions and the start of direct negotiations between the representatives of Kiev, Donetsk and Lugansk.
