By Nick Simeone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, April 28, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel
spoke by phone today with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu and received
assurances that Moscow has no plans to invade Ukraine, a Pentagon spokesman
said.
In a statement issued after the call, Pentagon Press
Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said Hagel emphasized to his Russian
counterpart how dangerous the situation in Ukraine remains and that Shoygu
"reiterated his assurance that Russian forces would not invade."
Kirby said Hagel reiterated that the Ukrainian government
has a right to preserve law and order within its own borders and also asked for
Russia's help in freeing seven members of a military observer mission from the
Ogranization for Security and Cooperation in Europe who are being held by
pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine.
In addition, Kirby said Hagel called on Russia to observe an
agreement negotiated earlier this month aimed at defusing the crisis and
"repeated his call for an end to Russia's destabilizing influence inside
Ukraine and warned that continued aggression would further isolate Russia and
result in more diplomatic and economic pressure."
The warning came on the same day that the Obama
administration imposed additional sanctions on Russian officials, businessmen
and companies for Moscow's intervention in Ukraine.
Kirby said both leaders agreed to "have continued
conversations seeking a way forward" on the Ukraine situation.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment