President Petro Poroshenko had a phone conversation with President of Finland Sauli Niinistö.

The parties discussed the situation in Donbas. President Poroshenko stated the escalation of the conflict and the absence of real progress in the fulfillment of the Minsk agreements, particularly the liberation of hostages.

The parties also underlined the importance of considering the issue of prolongation of sanctions by the EU.

Also, Petro Poroshenko emphasized the necessity of compliance with the fundamental principles laid down in the Helsinki Final Act, especially on the eve of its 40th anniversary and holding of the jubilee session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Finland. “Illegal annexation of Crimea and aggression of Russia in Donbas became brutal violations of these fundamental principles, particularly territorial integrity and sovereignty of an independent state,” the President said.

The interlocutors agreed to stay in close coordination.