Joint Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine on breaking the ceasefire by gunmen

As an expression of firm intention to protect the lives of people and security of the State, President of Ukraine - Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko started implementing the peace plan aimed at settlement of the situation in some areas of Ukraine’s eastern regions.

The President’s order on unilateral ceasefire, given to the Armed Forces, National Guard, border guards and units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, has become the first step in this direction.

Ukraine is committed to strictly follow a peace-building path.

The stance of the Ukrainian President has gained unanimous support of the international community.

In response to the peace restoring initiative, the gunmen and terrorists launched continued armed attacks, blatantly violating the truce.

Throughout just one night on June 22, the illegal armed groups opened fire eleven times at the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Artemivsk and other cities. During the day gunmen undertook consequent armed and mortar attacks on Ukrainian border guards near Chervonopartyzansk, Biriukovo and Nozdrivka in Lugansk region. Provocations continue.

Gunmen’s assaults aimed at escalating the situation require strong and immediate international condemnation.

Ukraine calls on all international partners to support our sustained efforts to restore peace and unconditional implementation of the Geneva declaration of 17 April by its all Sides.

Our principal demand is addressed to Russia. Our country, along with the international community, urges the Russian Federation to truly and efficiently support the Ukrainian President’s peace plan. Russia is expected to ensure sufficient protection of border from terrorists, as well as unconditionally use its absolute impact on illegal terrorist groups in the east of Ukraine to make them immediately ceasefire and lay down their weapons. Any further encouragements for terrorists will have critical consequences.