European Council President Charles Michel believes that Russia is to blame for disrupting the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
This was stated by Mr. Michel during his visit to Donbas on Tuesday, March 2. Here he held a joint press briefing with the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
“We are on the European continent, in 2021, and there is war. This is a shameful reality. People continue to die in this conflict. And to live in extremely difficult circumstances. I wanted to come here to highlight yet again how unacceptable the situation is and to meet those who do their jobs under extremely difficult circumstances,” Mr. Michel stated.
The President of the Council of the European Union believes Russia is a party to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine.
“Unfortunately Russia has not reciprocated Ukraine’s positive steps to implement the Minsk Agreements. That’s why our economic sanctions against Russia will remain in place. Russia is a party to this conflict and not a mediator. We expect Russia to ensure the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission has full access to the areas of Ukraine not controlled by the government. The COVID-19 pandemic must not be a pretext to further separate these regions from Ukraine. We also call on Russia to return to the Joint Centre for Control and Coordination,” he claimed.
According to Michel, the EU is ready to support Ukraine further in its efforts.
In conclusion, he added that the people of Ukraine are not alone. “We are on your side” – EU President said.
“The EU has provided substantial support to Ukraine to mitigate the impact of the conflict, and this year we are starting a new programme to support economic development and public services in these regions. This will include funding for the Entry-Exit Crossing Points,” Michel concluded his statement.