EU leaders back Ukraine peace plan

European Union (EU) leaders strongly supports a peace plan proposed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko,Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Linas Linkevicius has said.

Its implementation will enable to put a stop to several month-long violence and loss of many lives in eastern Ukraine, however, these steps have to be supported by Russia, the minister added.

He said: "Unfortunately the situation in Ukraine, especially its eastern regions, continues to worsen dramatically. The violence is continuing and there is clear proof that Russia is involved in the process, it provides weapons, military equipment and continues the information war,"

He added: "Ukraine is taking the necessary steps and is looking for a peaceful dialogue with Russia and yet tanks continue to enter Ukraine from Russia. Therefore it is insufficient to just express concern, we must talk about reinforcing sanctions."

At the Foreign Affairs Council foreign ministers of the EU discussed the situation in Ukraine and together with the new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin discussed the peace plan proposed by President Petro Proshenko.

Council approved a decision to allow EU Member States to sign the remaining association and free trade agreement with Ukraine during the June 26-27 European Council.

The Foreign Affairs Council also acknowledged the European Commission's assessment that Ukraine completed the first stage of visa facilitation plan, adopted the needed legislation and established institutional structures. Thus it was decided to shift to the second implementation stage.

"Fast progress on visa-free regime with the EU is what Ukrainian people hope and wait for. The new government of Ukraine made great effort and completed all the tasks which used to take years," Linkevicius said.