Statement by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the provocation in the region of Slavyansk

The Easter peace was violated at the night of the 20 April in Slavyansk. Innocent civilians died as a result of the armed attack by militants of the so-called Right Sector.

Inhabitants of the city managed to seize cars of the attackers, where they found weapons, maps of aerial survey of this region and symbols of the Right Sector.

Russia is outraged about this provocation by militants, which evidences of the unwillingness of the Kiev authorities to take control of and disarm nationalists and extremists.

We are surprised that this tragedy took place after the signature of the Statement summarising the results of the four-party meeting between representatives of Russia, the United States, the EU and Ukraine on the 17 April, which contains an appeal to refrain from any violent actions, threatening and provocations.

Russia insists on an unconditional implementation of the obligations to de-escalate the situation in the South-East of Ukraine, which were undertaken by Ukraine.

20 April 2014