A U.S.-based human rights group is calling on Germany to press Ukraine’s prime minister to ensure Ukrainian forces take all precautions to minimize harm to civilians in their fight against pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Human Rights Watch released a statement Tuesday saying German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as head of Ukraine’s closest ally, should emphasize to Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk the need to issue specific orders to Ukrainian troops not to use certain explosive weapons in areas populated by civilians.

Merkel and Yatseniuk are set to meet Thursday in Berlin.

The statement also called on Merkel to press Ukrainian authorities to conduct further investigations into allegations that Ukrainian troops were responsible for attacks in the east that caused civilian casualties.

Ukrainian officials met with Human Rights Watch officials in December. The rights group said they denied responsibility for several rocket attacks that the rights group claims endangered civilians.

An official with the rights group, Rachel Denber, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia, said Germany has a “special responsibility” to make sure the country’s leadership is actively enforcing the obligation to protect civilians.

The United Nations estimates the conflict in eastern Ukraine has killed 4,364 troops and civilians on both sides. It said some 10,064 people have been injured in the fighting as of November 30.
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