On September 5, 2014, in Minsk (Belarus), the first Minsk Protocol is signed to stop the war in Donbass, which began in April 2014.
Participants: Trilateral Format (Ukraine, Russia, OSCE) + representatives from Donetsk and Luhansk (recognized as "other participants").
Context: After Crimea annexation (February-March 2014), pro-Russian separatists in Donbass declare "People's Republics" of Donetsk (DNR) and Luhansk (LNR). Ukrainian army responds. At end of August 2014, regular Russian forces enter eastern Ukraine (Battle of Ilovaisk), inflicting heavy losses on Ukrainians.
Main agreements:
1. Immediate ceasefire
2. OSCE monitoring
3. "All for all" prisoner exchange
4. Humanitarian corridors
5. Withdrawal of foreign mercenaries and illegal weapons
6. Special law for temporary self-government in Donetsk and Luhansk regions
7. Local elections
8. Control of Ukraine-Russia border (after elections)
Failure: Ceasefire violated within hours. Fighting continues, especially around Donetsk airport. In January 2015, separatist offensive captures airport. Minsk I collapses completely.
Why it failed: Russia doesn't respect ceasefire, continues sending weapons and troops. "Elections" in separatist zones organized unilaterally (November 2014), not recognized by Kyiv or international community.