Moscow continues to fuel conflict in Donbas despite pandemic – U.S. at OSCE

U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE James S. Gilmore said this during an online meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Thursday, May 14, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Moscow’s multi-year aggression is a direct challenge to the security of Europe.  It is clear that neither the COVID-19 pandemic nor the appeal by UN Secretary General Guterres for a global ceasefire in all conflict areas has persuaded Moscow to stop fueling an armed conflict in Ukraine," he said.

According to the U.S. ambassador, the last week there were numerous ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine, where Russia-led forces persist in their efforts to undermine a sovereign neighbor.

"We should all be on notice of this escalation that is ongoing and what the potential consequences of that might be. We certainly can’t see an implementation of the Minsk Agreements unless there’s a ceasefire. Yet, the effort to destroy that ceasefire is escalating and increasing," he stated.

The conflict that Russia has instigated and led in eastern Ukraine puts the lives of thousands in danger. So far in 2020 more than 65 civilians have been wounded or killed in eastern Ukraine.

"In the face of Russia’s denials, deflection, and disinformation, the collective responsibility of those of us who truly believe in the Helsinki Final Act principles and OSCE commitments is clear. We must hold Russia accountable for acting contrary to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the abuses it has committed in eastern Ukraine and occupied Crimea," the ambassador stressed.

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