Hague to Push for Further Sanctions Against Russia

The Foreign Secretary says he will push for further sanctions against Russia at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. Speaking beforehand William Hague said there had to be consequences for what Russia is doing in Ukraine. Mr Hague said Russian denials that they are not involved in the protests in eastern Ukraine “don’t have shred of credibility.” He said the actions of pro-Russian groups were a “Gross, deliberate and premeditated violation of the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

“Gross, deliberate and premeditated violation of the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine.”

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is denying accusations that Russian agents are in eastern Ukraine stoking up tensions that have led to the current unrest. Mr Lavrov told reporters “We do not meddle in the affairs of Ukraine” adding that it is “not in Russia’s interest to destabilise the situation in Ukraine.”

Their comments came as Pro-Russian protestors continue to occupy government buildings in eastern Ukraine, ignoring a deadline to leave. Ukraine’s interim President had threatened to send in his troops to evict them if they didn’t leave by 0700 BST. That hasn’t happened. In the city of Horlivka it is reported pro-Russian separatists have actually occupied a police headquarters since the deadline passed.

Over the weekend Russia called an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council because of their alarm over claims Ukraine would deploy the military against the protestors. Meanwhile a German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has pointed the finger of blame at Russia. She said, “We have numerous sources that suggest Russia may be playing a role in the clashes.”