EU calls on Kyiv to ‘win the hearts’ of people in occupied territories

The European Union believes that the Ukrainian leadership should not isolate the people in the uncontrolled territories in Donbas.

Managing Director for Europe and Central Asia in the European External Action Service Thomas Mayr-Harting said this at the Ukrainian World Congress forum in Brussels on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I believe it is very important to note in this context that the residents of eastern Ukraine should not be isolated. It remains a challenge for the Ukrainian leadership to win the hearts and minds of people who found themselves in very difficult circumstances, including the territories that are not controlled by the government now," said the representative of the European External Action Service.

He noted that all the parties must fulfill their obligations as a prerequisite for settlement of the situation in eastern Ukraine.

Mayr-Harting also criticized Russia, saying it violates human rights in the uncontrolled territories, particularly in Crimea.

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