Schulz on the rebels’ attack against civilians in Mariupol

Russia-backed rebels in Eastern Ukraine have been spreading terror and destruction among the civilian population in the regions affected by the conflict at an unprecedented scale.

I condemn in the strongest possible terms today’s firing against the city of Mariupol, which left at least twenty civilians dead, and more than a hundred injured. I send my condolences to the families of the victims.

The rebels have shown utter disregard to the Minsk protocol and memorandum and no willingness to look for a peaceful political solution to the conflict.

I call on Russia to use its considerable influence to rein in and stop the activities of these belligerent forces, to halt the flow of arms, money, personnel and intelligence to the rebels, close the border and sit back at the negotiating table in a serious and honest manner.