Speech: EU assistance for the most vulnerable victims of the Ukrainian crisis: statement by Commissioner Christos Stylianides after his meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

Kyiv, Ukraine

I am here today to express in person the EU's solidarity with the people in Ukraine. I strongly condemn the attacks in Mariupol that have led to the loss of so many lives. I am deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict.

I urge those responsible for the escalation to stop all hostilities. I am calling for the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements by all parties as a matter of urgency.

We need a political solution to the conflict. One that fully respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This conflict has led to a grave humanitarian crisis. The European Union is here to help. We have been here since the start of this crisis and we are not going away. I can announce today that the European Commission is pledging 15 million euro in humanitarian aid this year. This amount will bring the total humanitarian assistance of the EU and its Member States since the beginning of the crisis to over 92 million euro.

EU assistance goes to all Ukrainian people affected by the conflict, including in Russia and Belarus.

Later on I will be travelling to Dnepropetrovsk. There I will observe the delivery of EU assistance provided jointly by the European Commission and several EU Member States. I will make sure our assistance continues to bring relief to everyone who needs it.

On the ground, this assistance will become shelter for the displaced and health care for the injured and the sick. It will provide food, water, heating. It will be turned into direct cash assistance to help families meet their basic needs.

I repeat our full commitment to continue supporting people in need. They internally displaced. To those remaining in conflict areas. To the refugees to neighbouring countries. Or to those returning back to their homes.

At the end, only a political solution can bring long-term peace. The EU with all its institutions is ready to support and encourage all efforts to put an end to the conflict. Let us hope that it will be found very soon.

SPEECH/15/3701

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