November 18, Representative of Ukraine to the EU Kostiantyn Yelisieiev met with the President of the political group in the European Parliament "Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats" (S & D) Gianni Pittella.

K.Yelisieiev informed G.Pittella of the worsening of the situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine due to the continuation of Russian aggression, despite the agreement reached in Minsk, that requires a response from the European Union.

For its part, G.Pittella stressed the need to address the current crisis by peaceful and diplomatic means. "Group of Socialists and Democrats committed to help Ukraine in achieving its goals and, of course, the principle of territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state was and remains an undisputable for us ," - said the President of the S & D.

They also exchanged views on the process of forming of a parliamentary coalition, the completion of which, respectively, will be the starting point for continuing of the necessary systemic reforms in Ukraine. G.Pittella said that a group of Socialists and Democrats continued to support Ukraine in its democratic reforms.

The parties also discussed the state of preparation for the visit to Ukraine S & D delegation, led by President of the group, which is planned in the near future.

As a result of the European Parliament elections on 22-25 May 2014 the S & D Group is the second largest in the European Parliament. It consists of 191 deputies who represent political parties of all 28 EU states.