"We meet today to reaffirm our strong continued commitment to Ukraine and our support for a peaceful and diplomatic end to the conflict. There has been some progress on implementation of the Minsk agreements. But the situation is still fragile. Russia has not withdrawn its troops or its equipment. The illegal separatist groups are yet to be disarmed," he said while opening a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, which is taking place as part of the meeting of foreign ministers of member countries of the Alliance, according to an UNIAN correspondent from Brussels.
According to Stoltenberg, Ukraine still does not have full control over its own borders.
"Ceasefire violations have recently increased. So we see a real risk of a resumption of violence. It is urgent that the Minsk agreements are implemented and that they are implemented in full," he said.
"NATO has been supporting Ukraine politically as well as practically, including by setting up Trust Funds, to enable Ukraine to better defend itself and to strengthen and reform its institutions. We strongly encourage Ukraine to continue along the path of reform. Continued progress is essential for a strong democracy, stability and prosperity," Stoltenberg stressed.
