KIEV, March 15 – The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine has supported a temporary cessation of transport ties with the Russian occupied areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions in connection with the seizure of Ukrainian-managed enterprises and escalation in the “Anti-Terrorist Operation zone,” NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov said.

"Taking note that there is sharp escalation of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the forced seizure of Ukrainian enterprises in separate areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions and acknowledging the aggravation of threats to Ukraine's economic and energy security triggered by deliberate action by terrorists and recognition by Russia of documents issued by the self-proclaimed republics on the state level, the NSDC has decided to suspend transportation of freight across the contact line until the realization of Clauses 1-2 of the Package of Measures for the Implementation of the Minsk Agreements dated February 12, 2015, and until the return of the seized enterprises under the jurisdiction of Ukraine. The measure is aimed at protecting rights and freedoms of citizens of Ukraine and ensuring Ukraine's national security," Turchynov announced at the end of an NSDC meeting on Wednesday.