Ukraine recalled its ambassador to Russia on Monday as the Crimea crisis worsened following Sunday’s vote for the region to join Russian Federation.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced Monday that its ambassador to Moscow, Vladimir Ilchenko, had been recalled to discuss the latest situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and its international impact.
Meanwhile, Kiev has also expressed concern over the accumulation of Russian troops and military equipment along its eastern border, saying that it clearly indicates Russia’s preparation for a possible military intervention into other parts of Ukraine.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Monday he was “deeply concerned and disappointed” and that this weekend’s Crimea secession referendum would only exacerbate an “already complex and tense situation”.
Although the secretary-general did not want to comment on the issue of sanctions levied against Russia by the White House and the European Union, Ban indicated that he “remains ready to work with all parties to resolve this situation,” according to spokesman, Stephane Dujarric.
Ban asked "those with influence" to commit themselves to de-escalation and "inclusive national dialogue." He again reaffirmed his position on Ukraine's unity and sovereignty -- and called for its respect.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Monday he was pleased the EU had agreed on asset freezes and travel bans on individuals, not just in Crimea but Russia as well.
"It will be possible to add to EU measures, depending on how Russia reacts to referendum in Crimea," Hague said, adding that the EU has started discussing longer-term issues, including the need to reduce European dependence on Russian energy.
Meanwhile, president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, said at a conference in Austria that the referendum in Crimea was a violation of international law and was absolutely unacceptable.
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