Russia should distance itself from the declaration of the self-proclaimed head of the DPR Alexander Zakharchenko about creation of Malorossiya, which contradicts the goals of the Minsk agreements, the European Union said.

"Recent "declarations" and provocative rhetoric from so-called leaders regarding certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine not currently under the control of the government run counter to the objectives of the Minsk agreements," the press service of the EU mission in Ukraine quotes the EU speaker as saying.

The EU expressed the hope that Russia clearly distances itself from such statements or actions. "The European Union expects Russia to distance itself unequivocally from such "declarations" or actions that violate the spirit of negotiations in which it is engaged, stepping up its efforts to bring this conflict to an end," the statement reads.

"The European Union supports fully the ongoing diplomatic efforts towards complete implementation of the Minsk agreements, as the basis for a sustainable political solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine that respects Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity," reads the statement.

In parallel, the EU also continues to support an inclusive approach on Ukraine's part towards Ukrainian citizens living in areas not currently under the control of the government.

On July 18, self-proclaimed leader of Russian-backed DPR proclaimed the creation of the new state of Malorossiya to become successor of Ukraine. In turn, the de-facto authorities of the occupied areas of the neighboring Luhansk region said that they had not been invited to any meetings where such plans were being discussed.