The Secretary-General spoke yesterday with H.E. Mr. Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine. During the phone call, they discussed the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and agreed on the need for the full implementation of the “Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements”.

The Secretary-General stressed the urgent need for traction on the political elements of these agreements and for the betterment of the humanitarian situation. Regarding an international peacekeeping mission under a UN mandate, the Secretary-General reiterated that this was a matter for the Security Council to decide.

The Secretary-General underscored the United Nations’ support to and solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this difficult time in the country’s history and committed to continuing the UN’s overall engagement in Ukraine.