Statement: Ukraine, NATO concerned about increase in ceasefire violations in Donbas

The NATO-Ukraine Commission has pointed to the increase of ceasefire violations by militants in Donbas and called on Russia for full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

"Russia continues to foment a persistent state of instability in eastern Ukraine, which has led to the loss of nearly 10,000 lives in Donbas and deprived Ukraine of a considerable part of its economic output. We are particularly concerned by the increase in ceasefire violations along the line of contact primarily by Russian-backed militants," the Ukraine-NATO Commission said in a joint statement adopted as part of the summit in Warsaw.

The commission recalled that, according to the package of measures for the implementation of the Minsk agreements, an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine had to be implemented as of February 15, 2015.

"We urge all parties to fully comply with the commitments they signed up to, including adherence with the ceasefire and with a view to holding local elections in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions as soon as security conditions allow in accordance with the Minsk agreements," the statement reads.

NATO and Ukraine expect Russia to live up to its commitments and use its influence over the militants to ensure that they meet their commitments in full.

"We call on Russia to stop its political, military and financial support to the militants and to implement its commitments under the Minsk Package of Measures including the withdrawal of its forces and military equipment from the territory of Ukraine and to allow Ukraine to reinstate full control over its state border," the commission said.

The commission also welcomed the release of Nadia Savchenko and called on the parties to ensure the release and exchange of all hostages and unlawfully detained persons.

NATO and Ukraine also expressed their full support the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) which has a key role in helping to deescalate the conflict and stressed the importance of full and unhindered access for the OSCE monitors.

"Impediments to the SMM's work, which continue to occur overwhelmingly in areas under the control of the Russian-backed militants, represent a violation of the Minsk agreements and seriously impede the monitoring function of the SMM," the joint statement reads.

"We remain confident that an inclusive political process aimed at reinstating law and constitutional order in certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine is possible, provided that security is effectively and durably ensured and that local representatives are elected based on Ukrainian law, in accordance with relevant OSCE standards and monitored by OSCE/ODIHR, as stipulated in the Minsk Agreements," the commission said.