Italian Foreign Minister Federica
Mogherini on Thursday called on Russia to take "responsible
action" to stop the crisis in Ukraine escalating further.
"I fear additional negative developments in the hours to
come in Ukraine," Mogherini told the Senate Foreign Affairs
Commission.
Mogherini's comment came following news of an explosion
near the MH17 crash site in Ukraine where international
investigation teams were meant to have been guaranteed access.
Mogherini expressed concern over Russia, and said that now
is a critical moment for Moscow to show whether or not it's
capable of taking responsible action in the Ukraine crisis.
"Russia still has the chance to choose a policy of
de-escalation, which would contribute to the reduction of
sanctions. If Russia instead chooses to support the separatists,
this could bring tightening sanctions," Mogherini said.
On Tuesday, European Union members unanimously agreed on
stiffer, targeted sanctions against sectors of the Russian
economy over the crisis in Ukraine.
The sanctions will target Russia's oil sector, defense and
certain technologies.
Western nations have accused Russia of contributing to the
Ukrainian conflict by providing weapons and support for
pro-Russian separatist forces.
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