- Norway is seriously concerned about the rapid deterioration of the security situation in and around Ukraine. Norway is calling on Russia to ease tensions by immediately withdrawing its newly deployed forces and using its influence over armed groups backed by Russia to sustain a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, says Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide.
Russia has exacerbated tensions by deploying large forces in and around Ukraine
In recent weeks, Russia has exacerbated tensions by deploying large forces in and around Ukraine. At the same time, there has been a significant increase in ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine, fueled by armed groups that Russia provides with weapons, equipment and personnel.
A demonstration of force violates Russia's commitments as a participating state in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
The Russian occupation and militarization of the Crimean peninsula, including the recent military deployments, clearly violate Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law. The deployment by Russia of its armed forces on its own territory, near the border with Ukraine, is a deliberate escalation of tensions. Such a demonstration of force violates Russia's obligations as a participating state in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. On Saturday, April 10, as part of the OSCE Vienna Document, a meeting was held on reducing the risk of military conflict and discussing the situation. Russia chose not to attend the meeting.
Norway also encourages all parties to grant unrestricted access to OSCE observers
Norway has consistently expressed full support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. Norway also encourages all parties to grant unrestricted access to OSCE observers in accordance with their mandate.
- Unfortunately, Russia and the Russian-backed armed groups have reversed through their recent actions the progress made thanks to the ceasefire in the eastern Ukraine, which began on July 27, 2020. We call on Russia to return to the negotiating table and believe in a peaceful solution, primarily through a renewed ceasefire, says Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide.
