Poroshenko discusses situation in Donbas with Steinmeier, Ayrault

This is reported by the press service of the Head of State.

"The parties discussed the situation in eastern Ukraine and the fulfillment of the Minsk Agreements. President Poroshenko expressed concern over numerous violations of the ceasefire regime by Russian-backed militants and their use of prohibited weaponry. The interlocutors underscored the necessity of political will from Russia for the cessation of shelling," reads the statement.

The President of Ukraine noted the importance of access of the OSCE SMM to all areas of the occupied territories, including the Ukrainian-Russian border. He also noted the need for releasing all the captives, including those illegally held in custody in Russia.

The parties also discussed an opportunity for deploying an international mission in Donbas as an important precondition for holding local elections under the Ukrainian legislation and the OSCE principles.

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