According to the Mission of Ukraine to the EU’s post on Facebook,ninety seven members of the European Parliament called on High-Representative Federica Mogherini and all European government leaders to impose targeted sanctions against Russia because of its attack on Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait.

On the 25th of November, a Russian ship forcefully prevented three Ukrainian military ships from sailing through the Kerch Strait. Russia attacked and seized the ships and captured their crew.

“This incident does not stand alone but comes on top of the illegal annexation of Crimea, continued financial and military support for the fighting in Donetsk and Luhansk as well as support for and recognition of the illegal elections held in those areas and the building of a bridge over the Kerch Strait,” the letter reads.

According to Members of the European Parliament, events in the Kerch Strait should be seen as part of a wider strategy to escalate and fuel tensions between Russia and Ukraine, a flagrant and provocative violation of international rules and agreements and a direct threat to peace and security.

“Putin’s aggression cannot be left unanswered. We, the undersigned members of the European Parliament therefore call on High-Representative Mogherini and all European government leaders to impose targeted sanctions against Russia. Europe can and must not let itself be sidelined while President Putin slowly but steadily chips away at the foundation of the rules-based international order,” the letter says.

  European Parliament, Russia

Comments