A new assault of the Russian occupation force in the Ukrainian Luhansk region undermines the peace process

Russian occupation forces have marked the sixth anniversary of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine and the fifth anniversary of the Debaltseve tragedy by launching an artillery attack and infantry assault on Ukrainian positions near Novotoshkivske and Zholobok (Luhansk region) in the early hours of February 18, 2020.

Russian occupation forces have used weaponry banned under the Minsk agreements, including 120 mm (18 shells) and 152 mm (6 shells) artillery guns, as well as 120 and 82 mm (over 200 shells) mortars. The enemy also used different grenade launchers and small arms, fired 56 tank shells. 

Casualties so far include one Ukrainian soldier killed in action and five wounded.

The Ukrainian armed forces have repelled the attack and maintained control over their positions. We are ready to respond to any further attack aimed at undermining the peace process.

Russia has once again proved that it is not willing to engage constructively and in good faith in the peace process.

Instead, the Kremlin continues to pursue its strategy of escalation in Donbas in order to increase pressure on Ukraine.

Ukraine reiterates its commitment to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbas by political and diplomatic means, which is only possible if Russia engages.

Hostilities and violence on the ground jeopardize the fragile peace process as well as dramatically decrease the safety and security of the civilian population who continue to suffer.

We call on the international community, in particular the mediating states of Germany and France, to respond to this clear violation of the Minsk agreements as well as those arrangements reached at the recent Normandy Four Summit in Paris. Pressure on Russia must be increased in order to force it to honor its peace commitments undertaken as a party to the conflict in Donbas.