The European Commission continues to monitor closely developments in eastern Ukraine, and is concerned about continuing shelling and transfer of weapons across the border.

"We've noted with concern continuing reports of the flow of significant new quality and quantity of arms and equipment across the border from Russia into Ukraine, reports of shelling across the border," European Commission spokesman Sebastien Brabant said at a briefing on Thursday.

He said that the EU, in general, appreciates Ukraine's activity in the area of the anti-terrorist operation.

"The Ukrainian government has an obligation and a duty to restore order within its borders," Brabant said, adding that justifiable force should always be used with restraint and particular care to protect civilian lives.

He reiterated that the EU condemns the activities of illegal armed groups in eastern Ukraine and calls on Russia to use its influence with these groups, as well as block access to weapons supplies from Russia to Ukraine.