Mogherini calls on Moscow to de-escalate

(ANSA) - Rome, July 31 - 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.