Peskov: Crimea is an Integral Part of Russia

Moscow (ST) – Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov has affirmed that Crimea is an integral part of Russia and that its return to Ukraine is impossible

RIA Novosti quoted Peskov as Monday when asked if Moscow could imagine a situation where Crimea would become part of Ukraine again, he answered in negative: “It is an integral part of the Russian Federation”.

Russia has affirmed more than once that the people of Crimea voted for their democratic reunification with Russia in 2014, in full compliance with International law and the Charter of the UN, and according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the issue of Crimea has been closed permanently.

Regarding the new package of Western sanctions against Russia, Peskov considered that there is a failure in selecting individuals and government entities to impose sanctions on them, which explains the illogicality of including individuals and legal persons in the list of sanctions imposed against Russia.

He stressed that it is obvious that this activity will continue, and in a ridiculous way new legal entities and individuals will be chosen to be included in the list.

Last Friday, the US Department of Commerce expanded the sanctions imposed on Russia and Belarus including imposing restrictions on exports.

The US State Department includes 76 organizations from Russia in the sanctions’ list, in addition to companies from other countries.

Last Saturday, the European Union presented the 10th package of sanctions against Russia that included 87 individuals and 34 legal persons.

Concerning the Chinese plan for peace in Ukraine, Peskov said: Any plans that would contribute to transferring the conflict to a peaceful path deserves attention, and we deal with the plans of our Chinese friends with great interest.

Najla Khoury