Ukrainian pilot jailed in Russia at risk of death: EU

(BRUSSELS) - Jailed Ukrainian military pilot Nadia Savchenko is now at risk of death after nearly three months on hunger strike in a Russian jail and must be released, the EU's foreign policy chief warned Wednesday.

"Ms Savchenko has now been on hunger strike for 82 days. After such an extended period of time, she faces permanent damage to her health, or death," Federica Mogherini said in a statement.

"Once again, I add my voice to all of those calling on the Russian authorities to urgently release Ms Savchenko on humanitarian grounds."

Mogherini said a Moscow court had on Wednesday rejected another appeal by Savchenko, 33, against her detention.

Savchenko is on hunger strike to protest her arrest last year for alleged involvement in an attack that killed two Russian journalists on eastern Ukraine's frontlines, where she enlisted as a volunteer in one of the battalions fighting pro-Russian rebels.

She has lost over 20 kilos (44 pounds) since launching her protest.

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko said earlier Wednesday he had sent a letter to Russian leader Vladimir Putin asking him to free Savchenko.