NATO calls on Russia to stop violence in Donbas

"We call on Russia to use its considerable influence on the separatists to stop the violence. All the parties must fulfill their obligations under the Minsk agreements," the head of the Alliance said. He mentioned the most recent aggravation of violence, especially in the area of Avdiivka, and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation. According to NATO, the OSCE informed of 5,600 ceasefire violations during the last week. Stoltenberg also called for the removal of heavy weaponry in the region, which is prohibited under the Minsk agreements. "OSCE monitors should have safe access throughout the region, including on Ukraine-Russia border," the NATO Secretary General said.