More sanctions are the only way to keep Russia on the right side of the Ukranian border - Main contents
ALDE spokesperson on Ukraine, Hans van Baalen, MEP (VVD, The Netherlands) has warned Russia to turn words into actions during a debate in the European Parliament on Ukraine. A cross-party resolution will be adopted tomorrow which congratulates the Ukrainians on the recent free, fair and independent elections despite the ongoing interference by Russia.
But amid escalating violence in the region, the conflict is entering an increasingly deadly phase and further sanctions must be strongly considered should Putin continue to ignore international law.
Mr van Baalen urged the international community to stand firm on Russia.
He said "President Putin speaks words of reconciliation from time to time but his actions are far from reconciliatory. If Putin really genuinely wants peace then all help to the separatists must stop, he should patrol the Russian border and he should come to a fair agreement with Ukraine on oil and gas. If Putin continues to blatantly ignore the international community then further sanctions on Russia must be considered. At the end of the day this is the only way to keep Russia on the right side of the Russian-Ukrainian border. "