EU strongly condemns violation of Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, calling Russia to immediate dialog with Ukraine

The EU Council strongly condemns the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and calls Russia to immediate dialog with Ukraine.

This is stated in the conclusions of the extraordinary meeting of the EU Council on the situation in Ukraine, which was held in Brussels on Monday, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said.

The European Union strongly condemns the violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian armed forces, which was done in clear breach of Russia's international commitments, she said.

Ashton said that the EU calls for a peaceful solution to the current crisis and full respect of the principles of and obligations under international law. According to her, the EU calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its armed forces to the area of their permanent stationing.

The EU remains ready to engage in and promote any constructive dialogue with all parties aimed at reaching such a peaceful solution and will continue its engagement in international facilitation efforts, working with the UN, the OSCE, and other international actors, Ashton said.

Brussels also welcomes a possible OSCE fact finding mission in this regard, she added.