President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that the artillery shelling near Novoluhanske, Donetsk region and other settlements on the night of June 7, which resulted in two Ukrainian soldiers killed and eight wounded, testify to Russia's loss of control over mercenaries.
"The blatant violation of the Minsk agreements - the use of artillery - demonstrates, at least, the partial loss of control over mercenaries. We are hopeful the Russian side will regain control over these units," the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and thanked for the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian servicemen who were attacked. He stressed that at the diplomatic level, Ukraine would continue to insist on the ceasefire and the release of the captives.
"The shelling of the Ukrainian military is an obvious attempt to once again undermine the process of negotiations on the ceasefire. Whoever gave the orders - Ukraine's Armed Forces will respond rigorously and according to the situation. And at the diplomatic level, our position on the necessity to cease fire and release the captives will remain firm and immutable," the President said.