BRUSSELS: The EU welcomed the "overdue" release by Russia of Ukrainian pilot Nadiya Savchenko on Wednesday, saying all sides should build on it to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
"Nadiya Savchenko is free and back in Ukraine. Long awaited good news, that the EU celebrates together with her country," European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on Twitter.
Mogherini later said in a statement that it was "an overdue gesture of human compassion" by Moscow, adding that "we wish her a prompt recovery after her long imprisonment."
Mogherini also said it was an opportunity to push forward with implementation of the February 2015 Minsk accord, which calls for a ceasefire along with a range of political, economic and social measures to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
"The EU encourages all parties to build on these positive steps, and to implement the... Minsk agreements, including the commitment therein to release all hostages and detained persons related to the conflict in eastern Ukraine."
Mogherini had repeatedly urged Russia to free Savchenko since the helicopter pilot's arrest in 2014, warning at one point that the Ukrainian was at risk of death because of a hunger strike.
Germany has also welcomed the swap of two Russian prisoners in exchange for Savchenko, who was jailed for alleged involvement in an attack that killed two Russian journalists on eastern Ukraine's frontline.
Savchenko's detention was one of a series of issues concerning the conflict in Ukraine that have plunged EU-Russia relations to a new low, with European sanctions still in force against Russia.
The conflict in Ukraine broke out in 2014 after its former pro-Russian president was ousted following his rejection in 2013 of a controversial partnership deal with the 28-nation EU.
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