Ukraine expels Russian diplomats because of Skripal case
Ukraine will join other countries and expel Russian diplomats, stated the Ukrainian President, Petro Poroshenko.
"In response to a cynical chemical attack in Salisbury, Great Britain, Ukraine, in accordance with a spirit of solidarity with our British partners and transatlantic allies, and in coordination with the EU countries, decided to expel 13 Russian diplomats from Ukraine out of those few still remaining. As you know, our diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation are de facto frozen," the president’s statement reads.
"Russia once again confirmed its disregard not only of the sovereignty of independent states, but also of the value of human life. Ukraine experiences this every day in the occupied Ukrainian Crimea and the Donbas," Poroshenko noted.
Therefore, according to the president, as never before, it is important not to be limited by symbolic gestures. "The next step is an increase in the price for Moscow for committed international crimes, including through the strengthening of personal, financial and economic sanctions," the head of state added.
The 66-year-old former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, along with his daughter was poisoned in the center of the British city of Salisbury on March 4.