10 Aug 2018 14:02

OSCE, Ukrainian officials discuss safety of soldiers, observers, civilians in Donbas

KYIV. Aug 10 (Interfax) - Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Viktor Muzhenko and Principal Deputy Chief Monitor of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Alexander Hug have discussed ways to ensure the safety of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, SMM representatives, and civilians in Donbas.

Muzhenko and Hug met in Kyiv on Friday, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on its website.

"The parties discussed ways to increase the safety of personnel of the Joint Forces Operation, OSCE SMM staff in Ukraine, and the civilian population in the Joint Forces Operation area, given the rise in Russian terrorist groups' provocations and attacks, which are sometimes carried out using weapons banned by the Minsk Agreements," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces are doing everything possible to prevent the deterioration of the security situation in Donbas, Muzhenko said.

"The Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue doing all they can to facilitate the work of OSCE SMM employees," the ministry said.