Tillerson in Kyiv: Sanctions against Russia must remain until it complies with Minsk agreements
Sanctions against the Russian Federation must be maintained until Moscow has fully complied with the Minsk agreement, stated the United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson after meeting with the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, in Kyiv on Sunday, July 9.
"The territorial integrity of Ukraine must be restored. We call upon the Russian Federation to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements. The sanctions of the US and the European Union against Russia will remain until the Russian Federation ceases the actions that led to these sanctions," said Tillerson.
According to him, the US calls upon Russia to influence the separatists and to ensure the OSCE access to the uncontrolled section of the Ukrainian border.
"It is necessary for the Russian Federation to take the first step to de-escalate the situation, cease firing and withdraw the troops," said Tillerson.
He had previously stated that the United States was disappointed at the lack of progress under the Minsk agreements.
The Republican majority of the House of Representatives delayed the vote on the new sanctions against Russia , which prompted the media to report the possibility of loosening the sanction.