The war in Donbas is one of the greatest threats to the European security system and the principles of the OSCE participating States. The dire humanitarian situation of the civilian population in these areas needs to be improved.

A corresponding statement was made by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde during her visit to eastern Ukraine, the press service of the Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine informs.

“The fact that I am visiting the country for the second time in the first half of this year demonstrates the importance that Sweden attaches to the situation in and around Ukraine during its OSCE chair this year. This conflict is one of the greatest threats to the European security and the principles undertaken by all OSCE participating States,” Linde said.

As noted, the current agenda includes issues related to regional tensions due to increased Russian activity on the Ukrainian border and in Crimea, as well as the issue of ceasefire in Donbas.

“Since July last year, we have been recording more and more ceasefire violations on a monthly basis. Accordingly, we receive reports of an increase in casualties in eastern Ukraine. These losses, which we see among both the military and the civilian population, are unacceptable,” the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office said.

She also stated the need to enhance the possibility of crossing the line of contact between the areas controlled and not controlled by the Ukrainian authorities.

Bohdan Marusyak

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