EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini has said that separatists in Donbas should cease fire immediately.

"The actions by the Russia-backed separatists in Debaltseve are a clear violation of the ceasefire," reads Mogherini's statement issued on Wednesday.

"Russia and the separatists have to immediately and fully implement the commitments agreed in Minsk, in line with yesterday's UN Security Council resolution, starting with respecting the ceasefire and the withdrawal of all heavy weapons," she said.

Furthermore, Mogherini called for the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to be granted immediate access to the area to assume its monitoring and verification functions in and around Debaltseve and to any other site the mission needs to go to.

"Safe passage for all those who want to leave the area must also be ensured," she said.

The EU stands ready to take appropriate action in case the fighting and other negative developments in violation of the Minsk II agreements continue, Mogherini added.