OSCE Secretary General Zannier condemns surge in fighting in east Ukraine, appeals for immediate ceasefire

VIENNA / KYIV, 3 February 2017 – The use of indiscriminate force in densely populated areas in eastern Ukraine is unacceptable. It must stop immediately and the sides need to cease-fire now, said today OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier as he condemned the surge in fighting.

“Civilians, as usual, are bearing the brunt of this latest fighting. On top of the civilian deaths and injuries, thousands more civilians are trapped in the area without food and heating. I call on the sides to consider the fate of the trapped civilians and to prioritise their safety. They must stop the fighting now and fully respect the ceasefire and the Minsk agreements” said Zannier.

Zannier unequivocally condemned the horrific levels of violence in eastern Ukraine. “No cause justifies sacrificing lives of civilians. It must stop. I call on all sides to ensure the protection of civilians and vital infrastructure, and to stabilise the situation,” he said.