KIEV, April 5 (Xinhua) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the worsening situation in eastern Ukraine by phone with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the press service of the U.K. reported late Monday. office of the agent.
According to the same source, Zelensky made the phone call during his official visit to Qatar.
Zelensky briefed Johnson on the worsening situation in Donbass, the concentration of Russian troops near the Ukraine-Russia border, and said that Russia “is trying” to disrupt the implementation of the Minsk accords.
“The recent initiatives by Russia pose a serious challenge to the security of Ukraine, NATO member states and all of Europe,” Zelensky said, urging Britain, along with other allies, to strengthen its presence in the region and increase the sanctions against Russia.
Johnson’s office said the prime minister “reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Zelensky emphasized that obtaining a NATO Membership Action Plan is now Ukraine’s top priority. The two sides coordinated actions to implement Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic course.
He also invited Johnson to participate in the inaugural Crimean Platform summit scheduled for Aug. 23.
Commenting on the recent movement of Russian troops near the border with Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said last week that Russia was taking the necessary measures to ensure its border security and that this does not pose a threat to others.
According to the spokesperson, Ukraine has not fulfilled its obligations under the Minsk agreements, which has led to an escalation of tensions in Donbass.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, which began in April 2014, has claimed some 14,000 lives and injured as many as 40,000.
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