MEP: violation Minsk protocol unacceptable

Member of the European parliament, Marietje Schaake (ALDE/D66), says it is unacceptable that the Ukrainian government, rebels and Russia keep on violating the agreements they made in September in Minsk. Schaake: "NATO reports that Russian hardware and troops are constantly crossing the border to aid rebels in the Donbass. If this continues, the European member states should be prepared to expand sanctions against Russia. The European ministers of foreign affairs can take a decision to do that when they meet in Brussels on Monday." Earlier this week it was revealed that Russia is moving missiles with a nuclear capability to Crimea. Offensive It is unclear what the aim of the Russian movements in eastern Ukraine is exactly. Schaake: "At this point we do not know whether this is the start of a renewed offensive or a move to consolidate the position of the rebels. In any case, it is important that the EU, together with international partners, keeps on trying to bring the various parties to the table to renew the ceasefire. Sanctions must never be an aim in themselves, the ultimate aim is to find a solution to the crisis and a return to stability." Human rights The EU and Ukraine have signed an association agreement that supports the Ukrainian economy and also contains provisions for strengthening the rule of law and combatting corruption. "It is important that the EU supports Ukraine, but we must also keep the Ukrainian government to the agreement it has signed. The association agreement and improved market access is conditional on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We should be prepared to use these clauses to make sure that we hold Ukraine to its commitments."