Australia condemns violence in Ukraine

Media release

19 February 2014

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop has condemned the violent developments in Ukraine overnight.

It is deeply concerning that loss of life has again occurred. Both sides must put an immediate end to the violence. Using violence as a means to resolve a political crisis is a retrograde step, and seriously undermines the potential for negotiation. I urge both sides to return to the political discussions which had shown positive progress over the last few days.

Australia's Ambassador to Ukraine (based in Warsaw) is currently in Kyiv and is monitoring developments.