Press release

PM call with President Poroshenko

The Prime Minister David Cameron spoke to President Poroshenko earlier today about the situation in Eastern Ukraine.

• From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Lord Cameron
• Published: 15 August 2014
• Last updated: 18 August 2014 — See all updates

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

A Number 10 spokesperson said:

They discussed the Russian humanitarian convoy on the Ukrainian border and the Prime Minister expressed grave concerns at reports of Russian military vehicles crossing the border. They agreed that humanitarian aid does need to reach those in the East but this should be delivered through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Russia should be co-operating fully with the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) and must not use the aid convoy as a pretext for further provocation. The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK has now made £1 million available to support the work of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, ICRC and Ukrainian Red Cross addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Eastern Ukraine.

Both leaders also agreed on finding a political solution to de-escalate the situation and the Prime Minister welcomed President Poroshenko’s readiness to engage with Russia and other partners to achieve this. Russia needs to demonstrate the same willingness to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Published 15 August 2014
Last updated 18 August 2014 + show all updates

1. 18 August 2014

   Added translation

2. 15 August 2014

   First published.