LONDON
The UK is to contribute 100 observers to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe for its mission in Ukraine, the country's foreign minister has said.
William Hague told the UK parliament on Tuesday that the UK was also providing £429,000 (US$724,000) towards the first round of presidential elections being held in Ukraine on 25 May.
“In two of Ukraine’s 25 regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - the situation has deteriorated markedly over the last two weeks,” Hague said.
“Separatists, giving the appearance of being Russian special forces, continue to seize and occupy government buildings,” he added.
Hague also criticized the referendums on self-rule in Donetsk and Luhansk, calling them a “sham” and said the polls were “marked by blatant fraud” having “no credibility whatsoever.”
He said the UK had led the call to impose EU sanctions on individuals suspected of misappropriating funds from the Ukrainian state, but said that the “doors of diplomacy” to Russia remained open.
The European Union has also agreed to add a new group of 13 individuals and two companies to a sanctions list.
“If Russia does not take path of de-escalation, the long-term cost will grow, in an economy already shrinking,” warned Hague.
Hague encouraged other countries to support the efforts against Russia, saying: “The international community must continue to be prepared to act with resolve and determination.”
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