Lima---German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned Saturday of dire consequences for Europe if the Ukraine ceasefire fails.
Speaking in Lima during a trip to South America, Steinmeier said there would be "huge damage" for Europe if fighters break the ceasefire, which is set to begin at midnight (2200 GMT) Saturday.
"If we fail now in our efforts, all parties involved in the region... will pay a high price," Steinmeier said.
Rebels and Kiev agreed to the ceasefire Thursday following tortuous talks in Minsk between the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.
"I call on the warring parties to act sensibly and avoid further escalation," the German official said.
Ferocious fighting raged in Ukraine earlier, as Kiev and the United States accused Russia of fueling a rebel onslaught to grab territory in the hours before the truce begins.
Steinmeier was due to leave Peru to head to Bogota to complete the final stage of a regional trip that has also taken him to Brazil.
AFP
