EU condemns Ukraine bombings, warns of pretext for attack

The European Union condemned, on Saturday, the use of heavy weapons and the “indiscriminate” bombing of civilian areas in eastern Ukraine, and warned of “orchestrated events” that could be used as a pretext for a possible military escalation.

“The European Union condemns the use of heavy weapons and the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, which is a clear violation of the Minsk agreements and international humanitarian law,” Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, said in a statement on behalf of the EU. block.

The European Union commended the “moderate stance” of the Ukrainian government in the face of “continued provocations and destabilization efforts,” commenting, recalling that the “intense build-up” of armed forces in and around Ukraine remains “a source of great concern.” It called for Russia to “de-escalate tensions.” Through a large withdrawal of the army from the perimeter of the border.”

Borrell said this escalation was “now exacerbated by the increase in ceasefire violations along the line of contact in eastern Ukraine in recent days.”

According to the diplomat, the EU supports the proposal of the Special Representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to hold an extraordinary session of the Tripartite Contact Group with the aim of “de-escalation of current tensions”.

The head of European diplomacy emphasized that the EU was “very concerned” that “the events organized, as noted recently, could be used as a pretext for a possible military escalation.”

Borrell said the EU was “also seeing an intensification of efforts to manipulate information in support of such objectives.”

In this context, he expressed his strong support for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, whose observers play an “essential” role in de-escalation efforts, and stressed that the mission “must be able to fully fulfill its mandate without restrictions.”

Moreover, according to Borrell, the EU “sees no reason” for accusations coming from the NGO-controlled areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions about a possible Ukrainian attack.

He stressed that “the European Union urges Russia to engage in meaningful dialogue, in diplomacy, to show restraint and de-escalation.”

“Any further Russian military aggression against Ukraine will have serious consequences and huge costs in response, including coordinated restrictive measures with international partners,” the Spanish politician explained.

He concluded by saying that “the European Union reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.”