The European Union (EU) on Friday calls on Russia and Ukraine to take fully efforts towards a political solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"Those responsible for the recent escalation must now show that they are serious about their commitment to a political settlement and do their utmost to halt the spiral of violence, including by withdrawing heavy weapons without delay and by respecting the line of contact as foreseen in the Minsk Memorandum," the EU said in a statement.

The EU said the escalation of fighting has caused far too many civilian as well as military casualties and as the basis for a sustainable political solution, the first step should be the cessation of hostilities.

It condemned public parading of prisoners in Donetsk, saying the move are not in line with international humanitarian law.

The statement also noted the EU expects the Trilateral Contact Group to convene as soon as possible, with participation of all signatories of the Minsk agreements.

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