Kiev calls on France to refrain from easing sanctions on Russia
The call of the French Senate to gradually ease the sanctions against the Russian Federation may indicate that its senators have not understood the depth of Russia’s violation of international law. This information was mentioned in the comment of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the resolution of the French Parliament on June 8th.
“We understand that this document is declarative and non-binding. At the same time, we should note that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states is one of the fundamental principles of international law,” read the statement, published on the Ministry’s website.
The Ministry stressed that there is no reason for revising or lifting the sanctions imposed against Russia because the Russian Federation continues to play a direct role in the conflict in the Donbas. Also, the Ministry stated that Russia pursues a repressive policy against Crimean Tatars and Ukrainians in annexed Crimea.
“We expect that France, as one of the guarantor countries of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in accordance with the Budapest Memorandum of 1994 and an active participant of the Normandy process will support international law and respect for European values. Also, we hope that it will continue to support international efforts in order to halt Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”
On Wednesday, the Senate of France requested the national Government to gradually ease economic sanctions against Russia.