Excerpted from Ukraine: Diplomats from the United States, Russia, Ukraine and the European Union have agreed to a framework plan designed to end violence in Ukraine. Secretary of State John Kerry said the framework hashed out by foreign ministers meeting in Geneva would disarm separatist militants in eastern Ukraine and have them vacate the government buildings, streets and squares they have occupied. In return, the Ukrainian government has offered amnesty to all pro-Russian militants who lay down their arms, with the exception of those who committed capital crimes. The Ukrainian government has also “committed to going as far as they can to reach out to opponents” as part of a “comprehensive, inclusive process” ahead of next month’s elections. That will include consideration of constitutional amendments that could give Ukraine’s Eastern regions greater autonomy. The deal appears to represent a major diplomatic victory just as Ukraine was approaching the brink of all-out civil war. It also has the potential to ease tensions between the U.S. and Russia, as the U.S. was threatening further sanctions against Russia in response to separatist actions in Ukraine. But while Kerry agreed the agreement is a “good day’s work,” he said leaders understood that, so far, it’s only “words on paper.” “What is important is that these words are translated immediately into actions,” Kerry said. He also vowed that if the U.S.
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