EU Urges Russia, Ukraine to Refrain From Escalating Tensions

Source: Bloomberg

August 12, 2016 — 4:20 PM EDT

European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini urged Russia and Ukraine to avoid escalating tensions between the two countries.

“Any actions that could lead to a further escalation of the conflict must be avoided by all sides; a peaceful resolution of the conflict is the only possible solution,” Mogherini said in a statement late Friday. “This includes eastern Ukraine, where we urge all parties to fully engage in the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements.”

Mogherini, who spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin Friday afternoon, said the EU and its member states “will continuously assess the situation, including at the level of the Political and Security Committee next Wednesday,” according to the statement.

“The European Union condemns and does not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation,” Mogherini said. “We continue to be unwavering in our support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-12/eu-urges-russia-ukraine-to-refrain-from-escalating-tensions