Malcolm Rifkind: The US and European countries should continue strict sanctions against Russia

“Strict sanctions against the Russian Federation imposed by the United States and European countries should be continued as long as the aggression from the part of Russia is taking place,” – persisted Malcolm Rifkind, Chairman of Defense and Security Committee (2010-2015), Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1995-1997), during the 9th Kyiv Security Forum organized by Arseniy Yatseniuk Open Ukraine Foundation. 

Malcolm Rifkind also spoke out strongly against legitimization of the annexation of Crimea. “Ukraine as a state, as a nation was reviving itself and had very tough times, and these difficulties have been deepened by the fact that Putin and the Russian Federation decided to go for something that was not observed since the Sudeten times – it's the annexation of Crimea. And the world must not tolerate it. We will never recognize the legitimacy of this event”, – he said.

British politician underscored that having violated the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Russia de facto violated the Budapest Memorandum.  “Because this step as to violation of the integrity of Ukraine caused damage not only to Ukraine but to the nuclear non-proliferation movement in the world in general”, – he said.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The annual international event Kyiv Security Forum launched by Arseniy Yatsenyuk Foundation Open Ukraine in 2007 is a platform for debate on the most pressing security issues in Europe and the Black Sea Region. 

Internet broadcast of the Forum:

9th Kyiv Security Forum (Ukrainian):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4bx8DXN4wk

9th KYIV SECURITY FORUM (ENGLISH)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEG5fdmhG2g