Photo from UNIAN

"The intense fighting around Avdiivka in the last few days, involving heavy shelling with proscribed weapons and leading to a considerable number of casualties, is a blatant violation of the ceasefire, as stipulated by the Minsk agreements. It puts civilian inhabitants at grave risk," Jagland said.

He added that the latest incidents have already caused major disruptions in the provision of basic utility services to the local communities.

Read alsoNSDC's War Cabinet to meet due to situation in Avdiyivka today – source"We call for the fighting to stop immediately," the statement reads.

Видео дня

"This would also allow for the urgent repair of critical infrastructures," said Jagland. "Full observance of the ceasefire is a crucial step towards the full implementation of the Minsk agreements, which is the basis for a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the conflict, respecting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Read alsoOSCE to hold meeting on Avdiyivka today, Jan 31The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission must be granted full and unrestricted access to all conflict-affected areas, according to the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.