The United States will not lift sanctions against Russia until, until “liberated Ukrainian territory,” and yet not return Crimea to the Ukraine. This was stated by President Poroshenko after talks in Kiev with U.S. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson Sunday, July 9, reports “Interfax”.
“We also talked in detail about the sanctions. And received confirmation that as long as the Minsk agreements will be fulfilled and will not be liberated Ukrainian territory, no question of lifting sanctions will not be carried out”, — said Poroshenko.
According to the head of the Ukrainian state, “Crimea will always be in the agenda”. “The issue of territorial integrity and the cessation of the illegal annexation of Crimea is a strong condition for the lifting of sanctions with Russia”, — he added.
Poroshenko also complained Tillerson that, despite sanctions, no change for the better in Moscow’s policy regarding the Donbass. “Unfortunately, Mr. Secretary, I have to say that we do not sense changes in Russian behavior,” he said.
In turn, the Secretary of state said that the first step to de-escalate the situation in Eastern Ukraine should make Russia, RIA Novosti reported. According to Tillerson, Moscow needs to “ensure the ceasefire and withdrawal of heavy weapons to allow the OSCE monitors to do their job”.
The armed conflict in the South-East of Ukraine began in April 2014. Ukrainian authorities regularly accuse Russia of aggressive actions, including involvement in armed conflict in the Donbass. The Ukrainian courts do not recognize the fact of the armed aggression of Russia against Ukraine. In Moscow deny these charges, citing a lack of evidence.