Ukraine faces the Russian aggression and internal challenges to its security, head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Hugues Mingarelli has said.

In the EU we see two sources of threats to the security of Ukraine and its neighbors: first of all, obviously, this is a conflict with Russia and the second direction is ineffective governance, weak institutions, lack of rule of law, which make Ukraine and other countries of the region more vulnerable to internal and external threats, he said, speaking at the round table titled "Threats to security of Ukraine and other countries of the Eastern Partnership: possible answers" in Kyiv on Tuesday.

Mingarelli noted that the military conflict had already led to the death of more than 10,000 people, forced displacement of 1.6 million people, more than 1 million refugees in neighboring countries.

In addition, the ambassador pointed to the economic challenges that Ukraine faces. It is absolutely clear that with the occupation of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions the Ukrainian economy has weakened, in particular, in industrial production, the diplomat said.

Mingarelli also noted the role of the economic blockade of the occupied territories in the difficult economic situation in Ukraine.

At the same time, the head of the EU mission stressed the importance of carrying out reforms in Ukraine.

"The association agreement will include the economy of Ukraine in the EU single market. It is also a way to strengthen Ukraine's resistance to internal and external challenges, the ambassador said.