Ukraine president says sanctions keep Russian tanks out of central Europe

Ukraine’s president, Petro Poroshenko, has appealed for the Trump administration to maintain sanctions against Russia, saying it is the only way to keep Vladimir Putin at the negotiating table and Russian tanks away from central Europe.

He said continued support for Ukraine was a test of whether the west was in decline, as Moscow has asserted, or had the will to fight for its values.

“Sanctions should stay firm on Russia,” Poroshenko said. “Don’t believe those who think that sanctions bring nothing. It is the only mechanism to keep Russia at the negotiating table. If it was not for sanctions and a newly born Ukrainian army, Russian tanks would be standing much deeper in Europe.

“Putin started his campaign in Ukraine with a sense of impunity. Because of sanctions he has a sense of hesitation.”

 

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