OREANDA-NEWS President: The price of aggression has to grow until Russia respects international rules
“The price of Russia’s aggression and expansion to the territories of other countries has to grow and the world community has every instrument to influence it and quench aggressive behavior,” President Petro Poroshenko emphasized.

“Sanctions are the very instrument to contain Kremlin and reverse its behavior. We need strategic patience to restore peace and the rule of law. We also need our resolve to tighten sanctions every time Russia crosses another red line,” the Head of State said at the 10th Kyiv Security Forum “Old Conflicts and New Dynamics: Strategies for a Changing World”.

The President noted that Russia has already dispelled the illusions about its good will. Kremlin is preparing for the presidential elections in 2018 and is getting more aggressive to cover its weaknesses, as stated by Petro Poroshenko. “Russia changed its tactics both in Crimea and Donbas by raising stakes up to creation of quasi-states. Russia continues to pursue an absolutely unconstructive stance. It steps up repression in Crimea to silent the dissidents,” he said.

“Russia continues militarization and flexes its muscles, trying to distract attention from its own domestic problems. Therefore, Russia will not stop producing security vacuum in Europe,” the Head of State emphasized.

“On the one hand, Russia calls for global partnership against terrorism. On the other, it creates a black hole on its own border. On the one hand, Moscow protects sovereignty as a key principle of international relations. On the other, it steals Crimea to punish Ukraine for its pro-EU choice. Russia proves being an aggressor that is increasingly out of control. And it would be a mistake to believe that the aggressor would show good will,” the President noted.

“This aggressor is neither cooperative nor predictable. Its commitments are not credible,” he said. According to the President, shelling in Donbas, killings of Ukrainians, subversive activities of Russia in Ukraine prove that every single day we have worsening of the situation.

Taking into account Russia’s unpredictability and policy of double standards, the Head of State urged the world community to respond to the aggressor in a more resolute way. “It is time to wake up! The more hesitant we are today – the greater challenge we get tomorrow. We have to take a proactive approach, instead of reacting to another provocative step of Moscow,” the President stressed.

“We should not shy before Russia. Not now, nor in the future. Let us surprise Russia with our determination. Let us surprise Russia with how strong our unity is. Let us surprise Russia with our unwavering solidarity against aggression and behind the rule of law and international order,” the Head of State emphasized.