NATO-Ukraine Commission urges Russia to honor its obligations under Minsk agreements - statement
The NATO-Ukraine Commission at the level of foreign ministers has condemned Russia's continued and deliberate destabilization of eastern Ukraine in breach of international law, including the provision of tanks, advanced air defense systems and other heavy weapons to the separatists.
"Russia's stated 'respect' for the results of the separatists' so-called elections on November 2, which we do not and will not recognize, has further exacerbated tensions," reads a joint statement by the NATO-Ukraine Commission.
The document condemns Russia's military build-up in Crimea, as well as the worsening human rights situation on the Crimean peninsula.
"We call on Russia to reverse its illegal and illegitimate self-declared 'annexation' of Crimea, which we do not and will not recognize, and to respect the rights of the local population, including the native Crimean Tatars," reads the statement.
The foreign ministers of NATO member countries and Ukraine noted that Russia's actions undermine the security of Ukraine and have serious implications for the stability and security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area.
The foreign ministers expressed their support for the Minsk agreements and called on Moscow to honor its commitments, including to withdraw its forces and military equipment from Ukrainian territory and along the Ukrainian border, provide for effective international monitoring of the border and restore Ukrainian sovereignty over its side of the border, and to allow for a political and a diplomatic solution to be negotiated.
"Russia must use its influence over the separatists to ensure they stop their attacks and abide by the ceasefire, release all hostages and honor all their commitments under the Minsk agreements," reads the statement.