The President of the Slovak Republic Andrej Kiska made a call to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday. He asked about the recent development in eastern Ukraine and expressed deep concern about the escalation in violence resulting in additional victims and suffering, in particular those of civilians.
President Poroshenko called attention to the serious humanitarian situation experienced by over 25 thousand residents of Avdeyevka due to interrupted supplies of heat, water and electricity. He said, it is difficult to improve the situation due to ongoing attacks by pro-Russian separatists. President Poroshenko assured President Kiska that the Ukraine was ready for an immediate ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table.
Andrej Kiska reiterated that Slovakia was not forgetting about the Ukraine and that an adequate intervention to the developments in the Ukraine by the international community was necessary. The Ukraine cannot succeed in its ongoing reforms and recover the country without an end to the armed conflict.
President Kiska agreed with President Poroshenko that the earliest possible introduction of a visa-free regime by the EU would be a great encouragement for Ukraine´s citizens.
In conclusion, President Poroshenko thanked Slovakia for its on-going support for the Ukraine and its people.