All NATO countries supported peacekeeping force in Donbas - Poroshenko

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko believes that non-deployment of a peacekeeping force in Donbas confirms Russia's interest in continuing aggression and occupation of the captured Ukrainian territory.

The head of the Ukrainian state said this in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels released on Friday, July 13, according to the presidential website.

"Of course, it is very difficult for Putin to explain why he does not allow for the deployment of a peacekeeping force, thus confirming Russia's interest in continuing aggression and occupation of the captured Ukrainian territory," Poroshenko said.

According to the report, the president cited the final summit document and statement by the NATO secretary general.

"It is written here that we thoroughly discussed the prospects for the deployment of a UN-led peacekeeping force in Donbas. We emphasize that this will support and facilitate the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements and the corresponding mandate to ensure [access to] the whole territory of the entire occupation zone, including the Ukrainian-Russian border. This is the position of NATO countries," he said.

Poroshenko also added that the deployment of a peacekeeping mission had been supported by all NATO members.

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