We welcome the decision of the EU Council to extend until January 31, 2016 the sanctions against the Russian Federation imposed in view of the direct involvement of the Russian party to the worsening of the security situation in the East of Ukraine.

This decision once again demonstrated the solidarity of the European Union with our country and its commitment to defending the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.

The whole civilized world, in particular the EU calls on the Russian Federation to adhere to its commitments under the Minsk Agreements, to cease the supply of arms, mercenaries and the ammunition, thereby promoting the compliance to the ceasefire, and to influence the militants controlled by the Russian Federation. Only full performance of its commitments by the Russian Federation may serve as grounds for reconsideration of the sanctions.

The Ukrainian side adheres to the position that, in case of further deterioration of the situation or Moscow's continued disregard for  international law and their obligations, the international community should increase sanction and other pressure on the Russian Federation.

Only full restoration of Ukraine's control over the Ukrainian-Russian border, as well as stabilization of the situation in the Donbass region and its return to the Ukrainian legal framework would amount to execution of the Minsk agreements. This is the common stance of Ukraine, the European Union, and the whole civilized world.