The EU is concerned about the violations of the ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine, recalling that a lasting ceasefire was key to success of efforts to reach a sustainable political solution in Ukraine, the spokesperson of High Representative said in a statement.
“We are concerned about the intensification, in spite of the cease fire in place, of shooting and shelling in eastern Ukraine, which led yesterday to the tragic death of several civilians near a school in Donetsk. Many Ukrainian servicemen have equally died in fighting over the past weeks, notably as a result of the continued shelling of the Donetsk airport,” the statement said.
“We express our condolences to the families of the deceased, and recall the imperative of strict observation of the ceasefire protocol of 5 September and implementing memorandum of 19 September. Observation of the cease fire is a necessary step for the much needed restoration of law and order in the East of Ukraine, both in view of preventing human rights violations and for the investigation of those that have occurred so far,” it added.
“We recall that a lasting ceasefire remains key to the success of the current efforts to reach a sustainable political solution, based on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU stands ready to support any efforts to this effect,” the statement said.
