(VOVworld) – The European Union called for Russia’s cooperation to end violence in eastern Ukraine in a meeting in Brussels on Wednesday. Leaders of the 28 EU members hoped that Russia will cooperate with Ukraine’s newly elected and legitimate President Petro Poroshenko and use its leverage on the armed separatists to deescalate the tension. The EU encouraged Russia to join in frank, open dialogues and continue withdrawing its troops from its border with Ukraine.

Police separate participants of anti-war and pro-Russian rallies as they clash in Donetsk. (Photo: Reuters)

In response, Russian Foreign Ministry showed its willingness to send aid workers to Ukraine’s eastern region. Russia has for several times warned about a more severe humanitarian disaster in the region. Recent clashes between local defense forces and Donetsk’s military have killed 100, many of them were civilians.