Blog: Mission to Ukraine (1-2 July 2015)

Met dank overgenomen van Ch. (Christos) Stylianides i, gepubliceerd op maandag 13 juli 2015.

We will be by the side of all Ukraine people for as long as it takes

Our solidarity with the people of Ukraine is longterm. We will be by the side of all Ukraine people for as long as it takes. I am extremely worried about the situation of millions of Ukrainians due to the conflict. I visited internally displaced people in Kramatorsk and Slavyansk. I saw with my own eyes the difficult conditions that the most vulnerable are in. I listened to their stories. I heard their concerns. They told me their hopes. Displaced people need access to education. They need access to jobs. Too healthcare. These are basic elements for a life of dignity. We have a moral obligation to help secure them. The European Union is on the ground, to help. We have been in the region since the beginning. We will continue to be here for as long as necessary. At the end of the day, however, only a political solution can bring long-term peace. Only a political solution can end the suffering of people. That is why the EU fully supports the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

Visited a distribution centre of UNHCR project in Kramatorsk.

Families displaced by the conflict in Ukraine have the EU's full support. They are not alone.

Children are the most vulnerable victims in conflict zones. We cannot allow a lost generation of Ukrainians.

During a visit on the field in Slavyansk, I met a little girl. Angelina.

The health mobile teams at the WHO/Ukrainian Red Cross project in Slavyanks doing a great job in difficult conditions.

Announced €15 million new humanitarian aid at Kramatorsk.

Had a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Yatsenyuk.