Following the Ukraine-EU Summit, President Petro Poroshenko has stated the harmony of views on the ways to overcome the security challenges faced not only by Ukraine, but also by the entire Europe.

The President has informed that countering the aggression of Russia and the issue of support of reforms in Ukraine had been one the two main topics of the Summit. “Our discussion has proved the harmony of views on the ways to overcome the security challenges faced not only by Ukraine, but also by the entire Europe,” the Head of State noted.

The President has provided detailed information on the recent events in Donbas to the EU leaders. “Ukraine was, is and will be a consistent executor of the Minsk agreements. We strive for peace, not war,” Petro Poroshenko said.

In the Joint Statement following the Ukraine-EU Summit, the Presidents have strongly condemned the aggression by the Russian Armed Forces started in March 2014 and the violation of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

That’s why President Petro Poroshenko has touched upon the issue on the deployment of the European Union’s operation in the framework of the Common Security and Defense Policy that will facilitate the establishment of proper security conditions for the fulfillment of the Minsk agreements. “We call on the EU member-states to help us implement this initiative,” the President emphasized.

“We must not forget that the Russian aggression in Donbas has begun after the occupation and disgraceful annexation of Crimea. Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars are being arrested on the peninsula today. Systemic violation of human rights on the peninsula and transformation of Crimea into a military base is our common concern with the leadership of the EU,” the President said.

In the Joint Statement, the Presidents have also called for the urgent release of all hostages and unlawfully detained persons, including Nadiya Savchenko, as expressly provided by the Minsk agreements.

On April 30, the European Parliament is to adopt a separate resolution on the necessity of immediate liberation of Nadiya Savchenko.

“We have also reiterated the inalterability of the EU’s policy on sanctions against Russia,” the President informed.

Mentioning that the given Summit is the first one within the Association Agreement, the President has called it the Summit of Association and Solidarity. He has expressed gratitude to President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker for their personal contribution and support to Ukraine, as well as for the fruitful and constructive discussion at the Summit.