Mounting tensions in Ukraine could trigger a second Crimea - Main contents
Given continuing tensions in eastern Ukraine with pro-Russian demonstrators seizing public buildings and with thousands of Russian troops deployed along the border with Ukraine, Guy Verhofstadt, ALDE Leader has issued a warning to the EU’s High Representative to act now to diffuse tension or risk a second Crimea.
"The European Union should urgently offer to substantially boost the OSCE observer mission in eastern Ukraine, as the risk of continued Russian-sponsored activities increase.
We are now witnessing a similar development in the eastern Ukraine as we did a few weeks ago in Crimea. Next week’s meeting of the US, Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministers together with the EU High Representative must find a diplomatic solution to the unfolding crisis and secure a peaceful outcome to enable Ukraine to continue on its path to democracy”
Hans van Baalen, (VVD, The Netherlands), ALDE Spokesperson on Ukraine added
“The European Union must not let the Kremlin and President Putin keep the initiative and turn the future of Ukraine into a cold-war inspired game of political chess. The European Union urgently needs to get on top of developments and make it clear to the Russians that enough is enough.”