Ukrainian Ministry of Defense urges Europeans to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine called on the members of the European Parliament to strengthen sanctions against the Russian Federation. The website of the Ukrainian Defense Agency reported that the Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine for European Integration, Ihor Dolhov, met with the delegation of the Security and Defense subcommittee of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee headed by the committee’s Chairwoman, Anna Fotyga.
The representatives of the European Parliament were interested in the military and political situation in the Donbas as well as the status of the reforms in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Dolhov informed the representatives on the situation in eastern Ukraine and the status of implementing the Minsk Agreements.
“Unfortunately, there are facts of violation of the agreements by the pro-Russian separatist forces and there are casualties among civilians. I would like to stress once again that this conflict isn’t Ukraine’s internal conflict; it is a conflict of Europe and a threat to the whole European security system,” the Deputy Defense Minister noted.
Dolhov added that due to constant ceasefire violations it is extremely hard to continue the withdrawal of forces from the demarcation line in eastern Ukraine. He noted that it would be difficult for Ukraine to oppose Russia’s aggression without the strong support from European partners and friends.
The Deputy Defense Minister called on European partners to strengthen the sanctions against the Russian Federation. In turn, Fotyga assured the representatives of Ukrainian party of further support.