Mattis: US allies will continue to pressure Russia
US allies will continue to pressure Russia until it fulfills its international obligations, stated Pentagon chief James Mattis following a meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
Mattis recalled that Russia pledged to refrain from using force against Ukraine and threats of using nuclear weapons, and also pledged to respect the territorial integrity of other states.
"Unfortunately, Russia is not adhering to the letter, much less the spirit, of these international commitments. The U.S. and our allies will continue to press Russia to honor its Minsk commitments," Mattis said.
He added that the US remains committed to diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Mattis assured that the US has never recognized and does not recognize the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the undermining by Russia of internationally recognized borders.
US Secretary of Defense James Mattis arrived in Kyiv the prior evening. He took part today in a Ukrainian Independence Day parade.