REUTERS

"As stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations, in particular, Article 51 of the UN Charter, we have the right to address any country or group of countries with an assistance appeal,” Sergeyev said.

“But at the same time, we're not just inviting them, but want them to operate under the auspices of the United Nations. Traditionally, it has taken at least six months for a decision to be made by the Security Council. Then there is the search for contingents, etc."

Ukraine raised the issue of a peacekeeping force in the east of the country after militants failed to observe the February 15 ceasefire agreed in Minsk and attacked and captured the government-held town of Debaltseve.

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Since the previous Minsk ceasefire of September 9, roughly six months ago, Ukraine has lost control over 500 square kilometres of its territory due to advances made by the Russian-backed militants in the Donbas.