US calls on Russia to withdraw forces from E. Ukraine

WASHINGTON, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- The US State Department on Thursday called on Russia once again to withdraw its forces and heavy weapons from Eastern Ukraine.
The Department spokesperson Heather Nauert shed light on new reports that a 23-year-old Ukrainian medic was killed while he was trying to aid civilians near the line of contact.
"The incident is a reminder that the conflict in Eastern Ukraine continues to rage on. Civilians and first responders face real dangers every day," she told reporters.
"It's also worth repeating that Russia manufactured this conflict in 2014 and continues to control its proxy forces in Donbass," she went on.
She stressed that Russia has "demonstrated repeatedly that it can stop the violence whenever it chooses." "The United States, once again, calls on Russia to order its proxy forces to implement a complete cease-fire, to withdraw its forces and heavy weapons from Eastern Ukraine, and to agree to a robust UN peacekeeping mission," she reiterated.
"Russia continues to perpetuate a conflict that has now claimed more than 10,000 lives," she stressed.
The US has repeatedly affirmed that it "will continue to stand by Ukraine as it faces ongoing Russian aggression, which has claimed over 10,000 lives and displaced more than 1.6 million Ukrainians," she added. (end) si.gb