UK condemns attacks by Russian-led forces in Donbas over Easter weekend

This was reported by the press service of the UK Embassy in Ukraine on Facebook.

"I was saddened to see no respite for those in eastern Ukraine over the long Easter weekend. Despite a supposed ceasefire, violations continued, including the use of heavy artillery by Russian proxies. Sadly 1 member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was killed and 7 injured," Ambassador Simmons wrote on Twitter.

She also noted that the UK fully supported the essential work the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission was undertaking in eastern Ukraine, and expressed deep concern that “Russian proxies are restricting OSCE SMM patrols’ freedom of movement across the line of contact, purportedly due to the Covid19 pandemic.”

In her opinion, the pandemic is extremely serious, and it cannot be used as an excuse to restrict SMM’s access. “We commend the SMM for its efforts to protect its staff and the local population, whilst also continuing as far as is safely possible their vital work,” she said.

“The UK calls on Russia to use its undeniable influence over the armed formations it backs to respect the ceasefire and allow unimpeded access for the OSCE SMM and humanitarian organisations across the line of contact and within non-government controlled areas,” reads the report.

The UK remains resolute in its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, the ambassador stressed.

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