France calls on Russia to influence armed formations in occupied Donbas

France has expressed its disappointment at the intense fighting in eastern Ukraine on February 18 and called on Russia to ensure a ceasefire by Russian-supported armed formations, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France.
"France deplores the intense fighting that took place on February 17, 2020 near Zolote in Ukraine, which caused new military losses. Violations of the ceasefire and the use of heavy weapons contravene the Minsk agreements and the conclusions of the [Normandy] summit of heads of state and government on December 9," the statement reads.

France called on all the parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid further escalation.

"In particular, it calls on Russia to use its considerable influence over the armed formations it supports to guarantee the full implementation of the ceasefire," the statement said.

According to the statement, France remains firmly committed to the full restoration of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

In addition, France remains fully mobilized to contribute to efforts to settle the conflict in the context of the Normandy format negotiations.

Russian-backed forces attacked Ukrainian positions near the villages of Novotoshkivske, Orikhove, Krymske, Khutir Vilnyi and Popasna early on February 18, killing one Ukrainian serviceman and wounding another five.