Mogherini: Moscow expects to split the European Union

Moscow expects to split the European Union. This was stated by the head of the EU diplomacy Federica Mogherini in a speech at the Royal Institute of International Relations in the UK, the press service of the European diplomatic department (EEAS) reports .

“Once again and again, Moscow (and not only Moscow) makes a bet on the split of our union,” Mogherini said. “But our differences turned out to be our wealth, and through the exhaustive dialogue we always managed to form our common European interest. This is our power.”

Russia and self -proclaimed "people's republics" should urgently implement the Minsk agreements, observe the ceasefire, and take weapons.

“The EU will be firmly in its steps against further violence and take appropriate measures if the fighting or other violations of the Minsk agreements continue,” Mogherini said. “Our answer to the crisis in mixed sanctions, both economic, political, and in exhausting, sometimes exhausting diplomacy.”

“We work, as always, to prepare additional measures in order to apply them if such a day comes and it will be necessary,” the head of the European Foreign Ministry emphasized.

On Tuesday, Mogherini discussed the situation in Ukraine in a telephone conversation with the UN Secretary General Pan Hi Moon, the EEAS press service reports .

"The interlocutors discussed the need to coordinate the efforts to promote the implementation of the Minsk agreements and, in particular, to strengthen the OSCE special monitoring mission," the report said.

On January 20, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk said that he began consultations with the leaders of the European Union on further actions regarding Russia in connection with the non -fulfillment of the Minsk agreements.

"Now I consult with European leaders regarding further steps. They will be aimed at increasing the price for aggression in eastern Ukraine," Tusk said.

Tusk stated that so far the ceasefire has been violated more than 300 times. The President of the European Council confirmed that he would visit Kyiv on Sunday to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Earlier on the same day, German Chancellor Angela Merkel allowed the possibility of additional sanctions against Russia in case of further violation of the Minsk agreements. According to Merkel, the introduction of sanctions against Russia is possible if "certain clauses of the Minsk Agreement are not implemented."

At the same time, she noted that "new sanctions will be as the last means" on the issue of Moscow’s implementation.