You're reading: Poroshenko says Ukraine taking steps to make situation on Donbas dividing line safer

Kyiv strictly abides by the Minsk agreements and is doing all it can to settle the situation in the conflict zone in the east of Ukraine, the country's president, Petro Poroshenko, told the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power.

“Currently we are taking steps to make the situation on and around the line of contact safer,” he said at the meeting which was held in Kyiv on Wednesday, his press office said.

He also said that Ukraine strictly honors its obligations under the Minsk agreements, in particular, by trying to launch the political process through free and honest elections, and that there have been numerous violations by militias of the agreements.

For instance, when Donetsk militias attacked Ukrainian troops in Maryinka on June 3, Ukraine acted fully in accordance with its obligations under the Minsk agreements and was able to defend Maryinka, the president said.

Poroshenko also noted the importance of Ukraine regaining control over its border with Russia.