Asked about recent fighting in Ukraine, the Spokesman had the following to say:

The Secretary-General is aware of reports that armed militias have regrouped in Donetsk and Lugansk and that the Ukrainian forces are engaging in intensified military activity.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the continued, unlawful actions of armed groups. He also urges the Ukrainian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and to take every possible step to ensure the protection of the large civilian population in these areas.

The Secretary-General reiterates that military means alone cannot provide a solution. A renewed and lasting cease-fire upheld by all parties is fundamental. The continuation of a political and diplomatic process towards a definitive cessation of violence and a peaceful resolution of the crisis is critical.