The European Union Council on Monday urged speedier talks on Ukraine within the trilateral contact group, comprised of Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The Council said in a statement on Ukraine that the talks should be intensified and that all the parties should take part in them actively and in a constructive spirit.

The statement says that the OSCE's monitoring mission should be extended as soon as possible to cover Russian border checkpoints.

The Council also urged the conflicting parties in Ukraine to remain aware of their responsibility for guaranteeing the security of the OSCE monitors and their equipment.