Moscow urges West to press Kyiv to stop military operation - Foreign Ministry statement
MOSCOW. July 29 (Interfax) - The Russian Foreign Ministry has demanded that the West apply its leverage on the Kyiv authorities to make them stop the ongoing military activities in the southeastern part of Ukraine and warns that those who support Kyiv's military operation share the responsibility for civilian casualties.
"We demand once again that Kyiv stop the war against its own people," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on its website on Tuesday.
"We are appealing to our Western partners to influence the high-handed Kyiv authorities. Those who support the said criminal actions also share the responsibility for civilian casualties in eastern Ukraine," it said.
The situation in eastern Ukraine has worsened even further over the past days and hours, it said.
"Having received another portion of support from the U.S. and the European Union, the Kyiv authorities have started a massive offensive on peaceful cities and civilians of eastern Ukraine," it said.
"Seventeen civilians, including three children, have been killed by Ukrainian government forces firing artillery upon Horlivka. A school building has been hit directly by a Ukrainian projectile. Several projectiles hit the city hospital territory, and the maternity ward buildings received damage. Mourning has been declared in the city. We mourn together with the residents of this glorious city of miners. We are convinced that those responsible for this horrible crime will be unable to evade responsibility," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The Ukrainian forces started to massively shell the center of Donetsk on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
"Explosions and shots are heard in the city. Some projectiles have hit yards and residential houses. Explosions are also heard in the area of the city hospital. Numerous inhabitants are hiding in bomb shelters, and the railway station is being evacuated. Three projectiles have hit the city culture and recreation park," it said.