On 5 February 2015, Representative of Ukraine to the EU Kostiantyn Yelisieiev took part in the meeting of the European Parliament’s delegation to the Ukraine-EU Parliamentary Association Committee upon the invitation of Head of the delegation Andrej Plenković. The meeting served as the preparation for the inaugural meeting of the Ukraine-EU Parliamentary Association Committee to be held on 24-25 February 2015, established by the Association Agreement.

They exchanged views on the developments in eastern Ukraine with a special emphasis on their humanitarian aspect. The Representative of Ukraine informed MEPs on the failure of the consultations of the Trilateral Contact Group, which were held in Minsk on 31 January 2015, because of the destructive position of members of illegal armed groups, as well as on the efforts made by the Ukrainian authorities to protect the civilian population. Ukraine’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of the current situation on the basis of full implementation of Minsk agreements, especially by Russia, was confirmed.

Kostiantyn Yelisieiev also informed on the implementation of the reform program in Ukraine, noting the leading role of parliamentarism in this process. He expressed confidence that the planned visit of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine V.Hroysman to Brussels and the first joint meeting of the Ukraine-EU Parliamentary Association Committee will provide additional impetus to strengthening the inter-parliamentary partnership, which will play an important role in the context of implementation of the Association Agreement. The Representative of Ukraine called for support to Ukraine’s efforts in the context of reforms, as well as in countering Russian aggression.

"We strongly support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and its right to self-defense,” said Head of the EP delegation Andrej Plenković, “I strongly condemn new attacks of separatists supported by Russia.”

MEPs urged to take all possible steps with regard to deescalation of the situation and provide assistance to the population affected by the ongoing aggression.