Kerry Threatens New Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine Ceasefire Violations
The U.S. will level a new sanctions package against Russia if the country continues to fuel conflict in eastern Ukraine in direct violation of a recent cease fire accord, Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters on Feb. 21 (here). Kerry spoke alongside British counterpart Philip Hammond in London. A European security organization brokered a cease fire deal on Feb. 12 in Minsk (here), and the agreement laid out a plan for implementation three days later.
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But Kerry said Russia and the Ukrainian separatists are violating the agreement in several strategic areas. “If this failure continues, make no mistake: There will be further consequences, including consequences that would place added strains on Russia’s already troubled economy,” said Kerry. “We’re not going to sit back and allow this kind of cynical, craven behavior to continue at the expense of the sovereignty and integrity of another nation.” Kerry said he is “confident” the United Kingdom, and other countries, will follow suit.
President Barack Obama signed a new Russia sanctions bill into law in December, following a series of sanctions against the country throughout 2014. The administration hasn’t yet acted on that latest congressional authorization (see 1412180065). The Commerce and Treasury departments did take steps to kill trade with Crimea, the Ukrainian region Russia seized in early 2014, in recent weeks (see 1501290019).