Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, said that the escalation of the conflict in Avdiyvka, Donetsk region, has again reminded the international community about the challenges that carries the Russian aggression in Donbas.

Ceasefire violations that have occurred in recent days, demonstrated a new level of tension and violence. Humanitarian situation in Avdiyivka is becoming critical. We were again reminded of the continuing challenges, which the Russian aggression represents in eastern Ukraine and the threat to the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the press service of the European Council said referring to the words of Tusk.

He also called on the parties to an immediate cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of weapons, as well as the provision of OSCE observers with unimpeded access to the region.