The Foreign Ministers of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia were shocked by the news that clashes between protesters and riot police resulted in casualties in Kyiv. We strongly condemn the killing of demonstrators which cannot be justified by any reason.

Ukraine has been witnessing a permanent and deepening internal political crisis for the past two months. As neighbours of Ukraine, V4 countries voice their strong concern with the fast escalation of the conflict and express their deepest condolences to the relatives of the victims.

Violence never contributed to resolving political crises and it can only aggravate the already complicated and dangerous situation. Therefore, the Foreign Ministers of the Visegrad Group resolutely call on all parties to stop the escalation of the crisis and refrain from further violence as well as to enter into meaningful and credible dialogue. This is the only way to find a solution acceptable for the whole Ukrainian nation.

The Foreign Ministers of the Visegrad Group underline that the fundamental rights of Ukrainian citizens – including freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and media – must be fully respected and protected.

(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)