United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo warns about a "very real risk of backsliding and further violence" in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.
"Today's disturbing reports of major ceasefire violations across the contact line near Zolote, including alleged use of heavy weapons, are deeply disturbing and a stark reminder that in the absence of sustained political will, there is a very real risk of backsliding and further violence," she said at a UN Security Council meeting in New York City on February 18.
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According to her, the much-need and long-awaited peace in eastern Ukraine can be achieved if there is the sufficient political will, good faith negotiations and concrete support for efforts to silence the guns.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Russian occupying forces on Tuesday morning attacked Ukrainian defense positions in Donbas, using 120mm mortars proscribed by the Minsk agreements. Under fire cover, the Russian invaders began their offensive operation and attempted to advance across the contact line. One Ukrainian soldier was killed and another five were wounded amid the fight. The enemy's casualties included four killed and six wounded.
