UA
FR
DEThe agreements reached in Minsk remain the only basis for a peaceful settlement of the “conflict” in Donbas. They ensure respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. These agreements should result in the full restoration of Ukraine’s borders. The European Union statement about this was announced at the OSCE Permanent Council’s meeting.
The EU stressed that the Russian Federation “as a signatory of the Minsk agreements” has taken a commitment of the “conflict,” consistent political settlement and the implementation of the agreements.
“We call on Russia to fulfil these commitments through constructive actions within the Tripartite Contact Group and “the Normandy format,” the statement said.
The European Union also believes that the current priorities include the simultaneous opening of the checkpoints in Zolote and Shchastya, an updated plan of mine clearing and the mutual release of detainees involved in the war.
“In this context, we welcome Ukraine’s political will and constructive approach to this conflict resolving. The opening of the temporarily closed checkpoints is crucial, and we call for the simple, proper border crossing procedures, without undue restrictions,” the statement highlighted.
The European Union also stressed that the sanctions against some economic sectors of Russia depend on Russia’s full implementation of the Minsk agreements. Therefore, the EU called on Moscow to use its strong influence on the armed forces it supports to implement the Minsk commitments to their full extent.
“We reiterate our call on Russia to immediately stop the escalation of the conflict by providing financial and military support to the armed forces. We also remain deeply concerned about the Russian military equipment and troops allocation in the areas controlled by Russian-backed militias,” the statement said.
To recap, the day before the Kremlin “declared” that “Russia doesn’t have aggressive plans towards Ukraine.”
Bohdan Marusyak
