Statement by the Spokesperson on the ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine

The intense fighting around Avdiivka in the last few days, involving heavy shelling with proscribed weapons and leading to a considerable number of casualties, is a blatant violation of the ceasefire, as stipulated by the Minsk agreements. It puts civilian inhabitants at grave risk. 

Furthermore, these latest incidents have already caused major disruptions in the provision of basic utility services to the local communities.

We call for the fighting to stop immediately.  This would also allow for the urgent repair of critical infrastructures. Full observance of the ceasefire is a crucial step towards the full implementation of the Minsk agreements, which is the basis for a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict, respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission must be granted full and unrestricted access to all conflict-affected areas.

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