Kiev. January 5th. INTERFAX-UKRAINE - Ukraine and the EU face the task of using diplomatic means to help the Russian Federation reduce tension and abandon aggressive intentions, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said.
"Now Ukraine and the EU face one task - to contribute by diplomatic means to de-escalate the situation and the fact that Moscow has reduced tension and abandoned its aggressive intentions. We are systematically working to contain the Russian Federation, and one of the elements of this package of deterrence is the preparation of new painful sanctions against Russia," Kuleba told reporters in the Luhansk region on Wednesday.
He stressed that Ukraine is committed to diplomacy and is committed to the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the political settlement of the conflict.
"The EU stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in countering Russia's aggressive policy. This is not only about political support, but also about very practical solutions. For example, the EU recently attracted Ukraine to the European Peace Fund, under which 31 million euros will be spent on strengthening the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Armed Forces of Ukraine - IF). This support is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's ability to defend itself, since Ukraine is committed to diplomacy and is committed to the implementation of the Minsk agreements and the political settlement of the conflict," Kuleba said.
The Minister pointed out that during his visit to the Luhansk region, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Josep Borrel, received a detailed briefing from the Joint Forces on systemic violations of the Minsk Agreements by the Russian Federation.
