President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko highly appreciates support of the EU Council at the level of Foreign Ministers to the peaceful plan as "a major chance for de-escalation".

The Head of State expressed hope that conclusions laid down following the results of the Council's meeting on Monday will facilitate speedy settlement of the situation in the east.

Petro Poroshenko hopes that Russia will listen to the recommendations of the EU Council of Ministers in the context of the support to the peaceful plan of the President, take efficient measures to stop the continued flow of illegal fighters, arms and equipment over the border of Ukraine and use its influence on the separatists to stop the violence and lay down their arms.

"I hope that Russia will facilitate the withdrawal of troops and refrain from gathering troops near the Ukrainian border," the Head of State emphasized.

On Monday, following the results of the discussion of the issue on the situation in Ukraine, the EU Council at the level of Foreign Ministers adopted a communiqué which, inter alia, declares the support to President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and his peaceful plan.

Ministers of the EU urged the parties "to agree a ceasefire in order to immediately stabilize the situation and create the necessary conditions for the peace plan of Petro Poroshenko to be implemented".

The Council recalled the possibility "of targeted measures" on behalf of the European Commission and the Member States should events in Eastern Ukraine so require.

The EU Council also expressed hope that the Association Agreement and the Agreement on FTA will be signed this week. "The EU is convinced that the Agreement will give an impetus for political and economic reforms, bringing about modernization, strengthening of the rule of law and economic growth of Ukraine," the document reads.

In addition, the Council positively evaluated the fulfillment of the first phase of the VLAP by Ukraine and informed on the decision to initiate the work in the framework of the second phase. The Council invited the Commission to continue supporting Ukraine in the implementation of the VLAP.

 

Assessoria da Imprensa do Presidente da Ucrânia