Today, the European Parliament's Security and Defence Subcommittee (SEDE), chaired by Polish ECR MEP Anna Fotyga, discussed the deterioration of the security situation in the East of Ukraine, in particular around Avdiivka.

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, explained the difficult situation of her country saying that the conflict in Ukraine remains "not only a challenge for us, but also for Europe and for the whole civilised world".

The recent actions taken by Russia in the area of Avdiivka, a territory controlled by Kiev, including using tanks and heavy weapons that killed 18 people, has clearly shown that they are not willing to implement the Minsk agreements. 

"This brutal aggression on common values could be qualified as a war crime and a violation of the Geneva convention from 1949" - Klympush said.

The Ukrainian politician said that we should find a way to respond to the situation and urged parliamentarians to have a debate and resolution on Ukraine. She also asked the implementation of a visa free regime with her country to be considered. "Closer cooperation between the EU and Ukraine will ensure a secure Ukraine" - Klympush added.

Anna Fotyga called for a debate with a resolution on the situation on Ukraine on the next plenary session in Strasbourg.

Other points on the agenda concerned the increase in Russia's influence in South Caucasus and Russia's national security strategy.

ENDS  

Contact: Anna Fotyga on +32 2 28 45356

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