Tensions in Ukraine/ Blinken warns sanctions for Russia, in case of aggression against Ukraine

Blinken has also demanded that Russia honour Minsk's agreements, aimed at ending the conflict in the country's east, warning Moscow of “heavy sanctions” in the event of an aggression against Ukraine.

These statements, made after meeting in Stockholm with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on December 2nd, amid escalating tensions following the gathering of Russian forces near the Ukrainian border.

The meeting is held under a summit of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSBE).

In a statement to the media, State Department spokesman Ned Price said “Blinken reiterated the United States' call for Russia to withdraw its forces and turn into a peace position”.

“If Moscow chooses the path of military escalation, the secretary made it clear that the United States and our allies are prepared to impose heavy sanctions”, Price said.

The meeting between Blinken and Lavor came after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Riga, Latvia.

Blinken said in Riga that Russia's military operations appear to be an attempt to destabilise Ukraine.

Western officials and authorities in Ukraine say Russia has deployed thousands of troops and heavy equipment near the border since the beginning of this year.

On Wednesday, December 1st, the Defence Ministry in Russia said more than 10,000 Russian troops began military exercises in the southwestern country, near the Ukrainian border.

“The US is concerned about Russia's stance on Ukraine. We will support Ukraine along with its allies in NATO”, Blinken said after meeting his Ukrainian counterpart, Dimytro Kuleba in Stkoholm on Thursday.

Kuleba said after the meeting that Blinken has discussed “serious economic sanctions” against Russia to discourage it from further aggressive movements against Ukraine.

At his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Blinken is expected to voice the threat of further sanctions if Russia does not end the troop gathering near the border with Ukraine.

“The United States is ready to respond with a series of high impacted economic measures that have not been in the past”, Blinken said.

Russia, which supports separatists fighting Kiev in eastern Ukraine, denies it is planning an attack.

Moscow blames Ukraine and its Western supporters for fuelling tensions, indicating what it says is a similar Ukrainian military rise. / REL