The European Union has taken note of the latest developments in eastern Ukraine, notably the retaking of control by the Ukrainian authorities over a number of towns previously held by illegal armed groups.
Maja Kocijancic, spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign
Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, told this to
Interfax-Ukraine when asked to comment on a statement by the Russian
Foreign Ministry, in which it expressed its expectations for a strong
reaction from the EU in response to the military actions of the
Ukrainian army in the east of the country.
“Ukraine has a right to take legitimate actions in defense of its
sovereignty, territorial integrity and citizens, in full respect of its
international obligations. It is Ukraine’s duty to preserve law and
order within its borders while maintaining a measured approach, in
particular protecting civilian lives,” she said.
Kocijancic noted that the EU continued to support Ukrainian President
Petro Poroshenko’s peace plan remained fully committed to any effort to
find a peaceful solution to the crisis, based on full respect for
Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We hope that all responsible for the situation on the ground will
create proper conditions to allow for the renewal of the ceasefire and,
eventually, a return to normal life for citizens in eastern Ukraine,”
she said.
