PACE expresses concern about escalation in Avdiivka

The statement was posted on the PACE website.

"We call upon the pro-Russian separatists to immediately cease their offensive towards Avdiivka and shelling civilian residential areas, which could lead to humanitarian disaster and necessitate the evacuation of the civilian population," the statement reads.

Xucla and Fischer also stressed that all sides to the conflict in Donbas should fully adhere to the ceasefire agreement and withdraw their heavy weapons from the mutually agreed exclusion zone as foreseen in the Minsk agreements.

 As reported, January 29, the illegal armed groups started to launch attacks on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the town of Avdiivka in Donetsk region. The attacks were launched, including from the weapons, prohibited under the Minsk agreements, namely Grad multiple rocket launchers, 152mm and122 mm artillery, 120mm and 82mm mortars, tanks and small arms.

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