You're reading: Poroshenko urges respect for Minsk agreements, demands sanctions pressure on Russia

Chisinau, Moldova -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said that it is necessary to observe the Minsk agreements on the settlement of the conflict in Donbas and continue the policy of sanctions against Russia. 

While answering questions from reporters in Chisinau on Thursday regarding the prospects for the settlement of the conflict in Donbas, Poroshenko said that the issue did not concern an internal conflict.

“We are dealing with external aggression by Russia. Russian troops invaded Ukrainian territory. We are grateful for support to the international community and individual countries that assist us in resisting this aggression,” he said.

He said that there were different ways and formats to stabilize the situation in eastern Ukraine.

“The Minsk agreements could serve as one of the foundations. For this purpose it is necessary to strictly comply with the agreements: to stop the fighting, close the border, release prisoners, stop supplying arms to terrorists, start political talks, and to hold free elections in Donetsk and Luhansk regions,” Poroshenko said.

“I am an optimist, and I believe that we will be able to find a compromise, start political negotiations and resolve this problem. At the same time, it is necessary to continue the policy of sanctions not to punish someone, but to ensure that each of the parties fulfills its obligations,” Poroshenko said.