BRUSSELS
EU heads of government have called for the implementation of further sanctions against Russia amid fierce fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Their comments came on Tuesday, three days after at least 30 civilians were killed during a shelling on a residential area in the city of Mariupol.
Heads of government of the 28 EU member states said in a rare joint statement: ''We note evidence of continued and growing support given to the separatists by Russia, which underlines Russia’s responsibility. We urge Russia to condemn the separatists’ actions and to implement the Minsk agreements.''
The statement comes one day after Kiev declared state of emergency in eastern Ukraine.
''In view of the worsening situation we ask the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council to assess the situation and to consider any appropriate action, in particular on further restrictive measures, aiming at a swift and comprehensive implementation of Minsk agreements,'' the statement by the European Council said on Tuesday.
Foreign Ministers of the European Union will gather in an extraordinary meeting on Thursday in Brussels where they will discuss the Ukraine crisis.
