Moscow party to armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, EU’s Borrell acknowledges

Russia is a party to the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, while any talks concerning Ukraine must include the country’s officials.

This was stated by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Joseph Borrell in an oped published by the EU External Action Service, according to Ukrinform

"There can be no doubt that Russia is a party to this conflict, and not a mediator as it often claims," ​​Borrell said.

According to the high representative, any negotiations on Ukraine must include the country’s representatives. "Our main interest, concern and purpose is to get Russia to de-escalate tensions," Borrel said.

Read also: EU sums up results of Borrell's visit to Ukraine

The official added that dialogue is needed, while dialogue with Russia is a must, so is deterrence and resolve through firm support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Any further aggression against Ukraine will have massive consequences and severe costs for Russia,” Borrell wrote.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on January 4-6, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell visited Ukraine for the third time, at the invitation of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

Photo: European Union

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