Foreign Minister of Finland visits disengagement area in Stanytsia Luhanska

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Pekka Haavisto has visited a disengagement area in the village of Stanytsia Luhanska in Luhansk region.

 “The delegation of the Republic of Finland led by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Pekka Haavisto visited the disengagement area No. 1 (village of Stanytsia Luhanska). Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Yehor Bozhok led the Ukrainian delegation,” the press center of Joint Forces Operation Headquarters posted on Facebook.

The purpose of the working visit was to demonstrate support for Ukraine, to receive up-to-date information on the security situation and the actions of the Russian-occupation troops, the Headquarters noted.

The delegation representatives expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, which continues to have a negative impact on the lives and well-being of civilians living near the contact line. The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland praised the work of the Ukrainian side at the entry-exit checkpoint in Stanytsia Luhanska, in particular the conduct of repair and restoration of the destroyed bridge and introduction of free public transport for civilians with disabilities.

As reported, the process of disengagement of forces and weapons on both sides (equivalently) began at the disengagement site near Zolote-4 in Luhansk region at 12:00 on October 29.

On Wednesday, October 30, the JFO command introduced a yellow regime in the area of conduct of the Joint Forces Operation, which provides for special powers of military personnel and law enforcement officers and imposes restrictions for civilians.

It is envisaged that, in general, the process of disengagement of forces and weapons near Zolote-4 will last up to 30 days.

The disengagement will have two stages: the first stage is the withdrawal of personnel from both sides; the second is the dismantlement of engineering structures and subsequent mine clearance.

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