Ukraine: Statement by the Spokesperson on the Russian decree on simplified trade measures in violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

The European Union deplores the Russian decree signed by President Putin on 15 November on simplified trade rules to allow access measures to increase access of goods to and from the temporarily non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. The decree aims to further separate the temporarily non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk from Ukraine, in contradiction with the objectives of the Minsk Agreements.

Such unilateral measures violate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including with regard to customs control. They have the potential to increase the tensions and prolong the status quo, while impeding the future reintegration process.

We call on Russia to revoke this decision and to stop taking unilateral measures that only provoke further aggravation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The European Union will continue to enforce its non-recognition policy in this regard.