The Minister L. Linkevičius drew attention to the fact that even under such difficult conditions the reform process in Ukraine was still ongoing. He also called for an increased targeted assistance to Ukraine because of Russia’s actions in the Sea of Azov.
"There is a need for an effective, proportionate, and politically responsible EU response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine / the Kerch Strait, while the detained seamen are still in Russian captivity, and free passage through the Kerch Strait to the Azov Sea is still not ensured. We cannot tolerate Russia's aspirations to take the Azov Sea.Thus, we must demand that Russia should comply with international maritime conventions. We welcome the political consensus reached by the EU on extending individual sanctions against Russian officials over the Black Sea incident with Ukraine,” said L. Linkevičius. He also noted that in the run-up to the 5th anniversary of the annexation of Crimea, specific measures should be taken to reinforce the non-recognition of the annexation.
