EU leaders recognize violation of Ukraine's sovereignty as 'act of aggression' by Russian armed forces

This is stated in a joint statement adopted at the EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels on July 9, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We reiterated our strong condemnation of the clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by acts of aggression by the Russian armed forces since February 2014," reads the document.

The leaders reaffirmed full support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the EU's policy of non-recognition of illegal annexation of Crimea.

Ukraine has repeatedly stated the detention and death of Russian soldiers in the conflict zone in eastern Ukraine. At the same time, the Russian side argues that there are no Russian armed forces in Ukraine and that only volunteers are fighting in Donbas.

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