Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Debaltseve

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Liu Jieyi (China):

The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at the continued fighting in and around Debaltseve, Ukraine, which has resulted in numerous civilian casualties.

The members of the Security Council regretted that, despite the announcement of a ceasefire on 15 February, violence has continued in recent days in some parts of eastern Ukraine.

The members of the Security Council called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and abide by commitments agreed in Minsk, including facilitating access for the OSCE [Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe] Special Monitoring Mission to monitor and verify compliance with the Minsk agreements.

The members of the Security Council further called on all parties to treat detained individuals humanely.