The high-level meeting brought together European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsya for the first time since the crisis began, in an effort to initiate a dialogue to seek ways to handle the intensified development in Ukraine.

　　The diplomatic endeavor ran hours beyond original schedule, signaling the difficulty of achieving common ground among the four parties for a potential solution to the current crisis.

　　According to the statement issued after the meeting that detailed the agreement reached by the four sides, initial concrete steps to de-escalate tensions and restore security for all citizens include that all sides must refrain from any violence, intimidation or provocative actions.

　　Moreover, all "illegal armed groups" must be disarmed, and all "illegally seized buildings" must be returned to legitimate owners, and all "illegally occupied" streets, squares and other public places in Ukrainian cities and towns must be vacated, the statement said.

　　Amnesty will be granted to protestors and to those who have left buildings and other public places and surrendered weapons, with the exception of those found guilty of capital crimes, according to the statement.

　　It was also agreed that the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) should play a leading role in assisting Ukrainian authorities and local communications in immediate implementation of these de-escalation measures.

　　Besides, the participants highlighted that the announced constitutional process in Ukraine will be "inclusive, transparent and accountable," which would include the immediate establishment of a broad national dialogue outreaching to all regions and political constituencies in Ukraine and allow for the consideration of public comments and proposed amendments.

　　All parties also underlined the importance of economic and financial stability in Ukraine.