Foreign ministers of Benelux countries: We’ve personally made sure how Luhansk region changing

On May 6, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Sophie Wilmès, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Stef Blok, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn made a joint working visit to Luhansk region.

"During the meeting at the Regional State Administration, the ministers got acquainted with the current security situation in the Joint Forces Operation area," the press center of the Luhansk Regional State Administration informs.

Serhiy Haidai, the chairman of the Luhansk Regional State Administration – Chairman of the Luhansk Regional Military-Civil Administration, noted that a third of the territory of Luhansk region was occupied.

"But thanks to our military, who restrain the Russian aggression, we have made a positive breakthrough over the past two years, in particular, in building infrastructure," Haidai said.

He stressed that the regional authorities cooperated with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

On behalf of the delegation of the Benelux countries, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Belgium Sophie Wilmès expressed gratitude and said: "Today we have personally made sure how Luhansk region is changing and the living conditions of the local population are improving. We express our full support for Ukraine, its territorial integrity and sovereignty."

During the meeting, Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces, Major General Eduard Moskaliov, reported that the Russian leadership continued to look for ways to destabilize the situation in Ukraine and prevent the reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Russia is trying to artificially aggravate the situation in the JFO area by intensifying attacks.

"Currently, the number of personnel of the occupation troops is about 28,000 people. In addition, the number of ceasefire violations by the enemy has increased significantly since the beginning of this year. A total of 951 violations have been recorded, including the use of mortars and artillery. These actions aim to provoke the Ukrainian troops to fire back. The enemy fires at our populated localities and infrastructure facilities. Fifteen such attacks have been recorded since the beginning of the year. Despite this, the situation in the JFO area remains under control," the statement reads.

Photo credit: loga.gov.ua

ol