Ukraine is visited by a delegation of the European Parliament headed by Anna Fotyga, Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defense of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament
The delegates stressed that they regularly visit the area adjacent to the territories occupied by Russia in the east of Ukraine, which is politically important. "We would like to constantly keep abreast of the events associated with the Russian aggression againt Ukraine," said a member of the delegation. He also assured: "Our support to Ukrainian friends is decisive and steadfast in their rightful struggle".
The parliamentarians noted that compared to 2014, Ukrainian military and security forces have become much better equipped, dressed and armed. They also observed the improvement of the economic situation in Mariupol, which is very close to the collision line.
The members of the delegation assured that they would continue to support all the ideas that may lead to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, as well as the introduction of UN peacekeeping forces throughout the occupied territory of Ukraine, and not only on the line of demarcation.
MEPs also expressed their concern about the situation over the Sea of Azov in connection with the ships seized by Russia for long, which is against international practice. According to the latest data, since April 2018 Russia has unfoundedly detained 120 ships under the EU flag. "We will broach this issue at the European Parliament and demand that it be discontinued," said a member of parliament.
The European parliamentarians thanked the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which made it possible to visit the territories located in close proximity to the clash line.