Current authorities in Kiev have no real interest
in searching for a peaceful solution to the problems in Ukraine,
are not ready to compromise,
and intend to resolve issues that arise through the use of force,
including terrorism now.
The attempts to enter Crimea unlawfully,
the recent attempt on the life of Head of the Lugansk People’s Republic Igor Plotnitsky,
the constant firing along the line of contact in Donbass,
and the actions of radical nationalists and so-called ‘activists’ from around Ukraine
that go beyond the bounds of any lawful framework
are a vivid illustration of the state of affairs in Ukraine today.
Mr Poroshenko constantly touts
the “unconditional support from the USA, NATO, and the European Union”
in his “fight to return annexed Crimea”.
The West’s willingness to play along with this rhetoric
undoubtedly played a role in the Ukrainian leadership’s criminal decision
to attempt an armed provocation in Russian Crimea.
If the commander in chief of Ukraine’s armed forces was involved in these decisions,
he will have driven the final nail in the coffin of the peace process.
If these decisions were taken without his knowing, then it is even worse.
Kiev’s inaction in the face of growing militaristic rhetoric
and violent acts planned and executed
by so-called volunteer battalions and other extremists is cause for grave concern.
We hope that Western capitals will draw the appropriate conclusions.
Attempts to destabilise the situation in Russian Crimea are doomed to fail.
Russia unconditionally guarantees Crimea’s stability and security.
Kiev and its foreign backers should know
that any harm to Russia or the deaths of Russian personnel
will not go unanswered.
Once again,
we call on our partners to use their influence with Kiev
to dissuade the government from taking any dangerous steps
that could have grave consequences.
Playing with fire is dangerous.
[end statement]
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