"Almost 10,000 people, soldiers and civilians, were killed since the beginning of the conflict in April 2014. The truce was temporarily replaced with strengthening conflict from 29th January, mostly in the area of Adviivka.
Targets are not selected, 2 hospitals, 3 schools, and a kindergarten are damaged, and in some parts delivery of energy and water is due to damage to infrastructure. When we add the low temperatures, the result is a humanitarian catastrophe which we witness from day to day.
The intensifying conflict in the East of Ukraine is not just a question of respect for the provisions of international law, it is a serious security challenge for the whole European Union. In response, the EU has to demonstrate support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Especially because of the ambiguous actions of the new US administration and possible modification of attitudes towards Ukraine and Russia in general.
An urgent end to the conflict, protection of civilians and support for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreement as a basis for a sustainable, political solution to the conflict, must remain our clear priority and the European Union has to be an active factor in its achievement", said MEP Picula in his speech in Strasbourg.
