MINSK, February 12. /TASS/. French President Francois Hollande has confirmed that the participants in the Minsk "Normandy format" negotiations have reached a general agreement on the political settlement of Ukraine’s crisis and a ceasefire agreement.

He also said the agreements reached in Minsk inspire "a serious hope" for the Ukrainian situation settlement.

"We have very high hopes," Hollande said. "It would be a great relief for Europe," he added.

The French leader also said that efforts should yet be exerted to implement the reached agreements.