Russia intends to further destabilize Ukraine – EU

Maja Kocijančič, the spokesperson for the EU’s Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said this in a statement, published on the website of European External Action Service.

"The timing of such a decision immediately after Ukraine’s presidential election, which demonstrated Ukraine's strong attachment to democracy and the rule of law, shows Russia’s intention to further destabilize Ukraine and to exacerbate the conflict," reads the statement.

The EU expects that Russia will refrain from actions that are against the Minsk agreements and impede the full reintegration of the non-government controlled areas into Ukraine. According to the statement, all parties must fully implement their commitments under the Minsk agreements.

"The European Union remains steadfast in its support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," says the statement.

As reported, on April 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree that allows residents of the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine to obtain Russian passports under a simplified procedure.

Ukraine and many democratic countries of the world condemned the Kremlin’s decision.

ish