Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine has urged to stop coal supply blockade from the separatist-held territories of Donbas.
The blockade of the railway communication between the government-controlled territories and uncontrolled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is contrary to an inclusive approach to citizens of Ukraine who live in the territories where the state power bodies temporarily do not exercise their powers, the EU delegation told Interfax-Ukraine on Feb. 16.
The diplomatic mission urges those involved in the blockade to immediately stop it. The authorities, in turn, should solve this problem as soon as possible, a report says.
According to the information, blockade reduces the volume of coal supplies from the occupied territories, there is also a risk of the proper functioning of power stations. This, in turn, can lead to an energy crisis that will hurt the Ukrainian citizens on both sides of the demarcation line, the agency said.
The commentary notes the importance of the transparent movement of goods across the demarcation line, which will facilitate the fight against illegal migration and smuggling. We call on the Ukrainian authorities to strengthen their efforts in this sphere, a commentary says.
The EU also noted that the Minsk agreements remain the basis for a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict with respect to sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
