I am following the reports on Nadiya Savchenko’s state of health with great concern.

Rule-of-law principles are not being upheld in the trial against her. As a member of the Council of Europe and the OSCE, Russia must adhere to its human rights commitments and is responsible for the health and well‑being of those imprisoned in Russia.

I call on those responsible in Russia to release Nadiya Savchenko with immediate effect.

Ms Savchenko’s release would also be a positive sign for the relations between Russia and Ukraine. We urgently need this sign with regard to a political settlement to the conflict in and around Ukraine and the implementation of the Minsk agreements.