Antony Blinken: Russia violates principles of world order

In his speech at the Warsaw Public Library, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State focused on holding of the unlawful referendum and Russia’s attempt to annex Crimea, deployment of heavy weapons and thousands of troops along international borders, support for Moscow-backed militants.

According to Blinken, such actions violate the principle "that the borders and territorial integrity of the state cannot be changed by force; that making a decision on future of their country is the inalienable right of citizens in a democratic society; that all members of the international community are linked by common rules and have to pay for failure to comply with their obligations."

"These principles go beyond Ukraine and the borders of Europe. They are fundamental rules underpinning the international order, which we together strive to build, maintain, and change if necessary. By denying them, Russia intends to split our transatlantic alliance, undermine our unity and contribute to the failure of democratic states," the U.S. official said.

He confirmed that support to Ukraine provided by the United States was unchanged and that sanctions against Russia should remain in place until full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

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