Russia calls for end of bloodshed in Ukraine
“Obviously, we have discussed the military conflict in eastern Ukraine. We share the opinion that an end to bloodshed is necessary as well as the start of a dialogue in order to work out a solution acceptable to all regions of Ukraine,” Lavrov said.
Kyiv has been carrying out a military operation in eastern Ukraine since mid-April in an attempt to suppress independence supporters who refused to recognise the legitimacy of Kyiv’s new authorities.
Photo: Rex Features
Moscow has described the ongoing military action as a punitive operation and has repeatedly called on Kyiv to put an immediate end to the bloodshed. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has also urged the international community to intervene and investigate the crimes against humanity that occurred in Ukraine in recent months.
According to a UN report, the conflict claimed the lives of 1,129 civilians from mid-April through July 26, while another 3,442 civilians were injured.
(VoR, RIA Novosti)