Kerry talks with Russian FM on implementing ceasefire in Ukraine

Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Russia Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday to express his concern about intensifying violence in eastern Ukraine, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

“He also underscored that Russia and the separatists they back must immediately implement their obligations under the September 5th cease-fire agreement and September 9th implementing agreement they signed in Minsk, including a secure Russian-Ukrainian border,” Psaki said during a briefing. “They agreed to stay in close touch.” In the last 24 hours, shelling and attacks have intensified in eastern Ukraine, most notably in the city and airport of Donetsk, Psaki noted.

Since the ceasefire was signed on September 5, continued violence has killed well over 200 people, “many of them innocent men, women and children,” she said.
“We call on all parties to take all feasible precautions to prevent the loss of innocent life, comply with international humanitarian law and respect the facilities of humanitarian organizations,” she added.