EPSU expresses concern about escalating conflict in Eastern Ukraine

(1 February 2017) After months of simmering  tensions hostilities between the parties involved in the Eastern Ukraine conflict flared up again on the 31st of January. Military personnel  and civilians were killed, in this latest surge of violence. Artillery shells hit residential areas in the village of Avdiivka. Power and water supplies were cut affecting heating and the  supply of drinking water in homes and public buildings.

Workers were affected with over 200 miners trapped underground, when power supplies were cut off. We deplore the loss of lives and the sorrow it causes to co-workers, families and friends. Our solidarity is with the women and men that have to ensure that  critical infrastructure and public services are repaired and working in such difficult circumstances.

EPSU remains convinced that the only road to a stable and peaceful solution is through respecting the territorial integrity of the Ukraine and fundamental human rights, through negotiations and democratic processes. The parties involved should allow for the missions of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe to play a bigger role in maintaining the ceasefire, as well as controlling and supporting the implementation of the Minsk agreements and establishing cooperation. All parties should abide by the positions of the UN Security Council and respect its 2015 resolution on Ukraine.

For an earlier position of EPSU on the situation in the Ukraine adopted at Congress 2014.

For the position and proposals of the Pan-European Regional Council of ITUC on ending the crisis in Ukraine 2014.