Putin asks EU's Charles Michel to 'influence Ukraine' to stop atrocities in Donbass

In a phone call held by EU Council President Charles Michel with Russian president Vladimir Putin, latter asked  Brussels to “influence Kyiv authorities" in order to force m to stop massive shelling of Donbas settlements. Putin condemned “gross violations” of international humanitarian law in Ukraine’s eastern region, echoing his earlier statement that Ukraine forces have been committing “gecide” in Donbass region.  

”Attention is drawn to irresponsible statements of EU representatives about need to resolve situation in Ukraine by military means, as well as igring numerous war crimes of Ukrainian security forces," Kremlin said in a readout of call published later. 

EU Council President asks Putin to hold 'direct contact' with Volodymyr Zelensky

President of European Council, Charles Michel, iterated in “ uncertain terms” unacceptability of Russia’s war and warned Moscow of sanctions that  EU may impose on Russia for continuing invasion. EU Council President appealed to Russia for a ceasefire in Ukraine during  Orthodox Easter. Michel also asked Putin to hold “direct contact” with embattled Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kremlin responded by saying that President of Russia reaffirmed his position on this matter, ting that such a possibility depends, in particular, on ongoing negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegations. Putin also accused Ukrainian side of demonstrating “inconsistency” and is t seeking mutually acceptable solutions.

While EU officials demanded safe pass for civilians seeking to leave besieged cities such as Mariupol, Kremlin said that measures were taken on an ongoing basis to protect civilian population and that re was daily opening of humanitarian corridors. Putin reiterated that after “liberation of Mariupol” implying full siege of port city, he had ordered his troops to cancel assault on industrial zone of Azovstal plant where Ukrainian forces are holed up for “humanitarian reasons.”

“At same time, all servicemen of Armed Forces of Ukraine, militants of national battalions and foreign mercenaries who laid down ir arms are guaranteed life, decent treatment in accordance with international law,” he stressed. He n added that Kyiv’s regime “does t allow this opportunity to be taken.”