Ukrainian Foreign Ministry thanked the EU Council for the extension of sanctions against Russia
Ukraine is grateful for the consistent policy of the EU on the non-recognition of the annexation of the Crimea by Russia and the adoption by the EU Council of a decision to extend the term of the ‘Crimean package’ of sanctions against the ‘aggressor state’ for 12 months ‘without discussion,’ as stated in the commentary of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, published on their official website.
“We highly appreciate the constant attention of the EU to the situation in the occupied Crimea, which is characterized by serious systemic human rights violations ... The support of the EU and our partners is key to restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine in accordance with international law,” the commentary says.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine notes that the sanctions policy on the part of Ukraine's international partners and the consistent condemnation of the Kremlin's actions “is one of the most effective instruments in exerting international pressure on the state-occupier.”
“We also expect an extension of the EU's sector and economic sanctions against Russia to the full implementation of its international obligations and the cessation of aggression against Ukraine in the Crimea and the Donbas,” summarized the Foreign Ministry.
As reported, the European Union approved the decision to extend restrictive measures against Russia for annexing the Crimea until June 23, 2018. This decision was welcomed by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.