The European Union has expressed its concern over the increase in hostilities in Donbas.
“The significant increase of ceasefire violations in Donetsk region represents an unprecedented level of violence since the sides recommitted to the ceasefire in 2015,” reads a statement by the spokesperson for EU diplomacy chief Federica Mogherini posted on the website of the EU External Action Service.
The EU urges all sides to take steps to de-escalate the situation and to fully honor their commitments. “A sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed, not least to ensure progress at last in implementing the political obligations from the Minsk agreements. The recent incidents of targeting the OSCE SMM monitors are unacceptable. We call on all sides to refrain from such actions,” the statement reads.
The EU continues to support the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the diplomatic efforts within the Normandy format and the trilateral contact group aiming at complete implementation of the Minsk agreements.
“Security on the ground is indispensable for a lasting political solution,” the statement reads.
