U.S. Senate condemns Russia’s actions in Kerch Strait – resolution

The U.S. Senate cleared a resolution Thursday night condemning Russia's provocative actions in the Kerch Strait against the Ukrainian navy. 

“The U.S. Senate officially adopted a resolution condemning Russia's aggression in the Kerch Strait,” the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States reported.

In the resolution, the U.S. lawmakers urge the Russian authorities to immediately release the captured Ukrainian vessels and their crew members, as well as to stop the persecution of Ukrainian and international ships passing through the Kerch Strait.

The document also warns Russia that the confrontation off the coast of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula is "destabilizing" the region and "invites further escalation." 

The Senate "urges members of the international community to unite in opposition to the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in the Kerch Strait, as they infringe upon fundamental principles of international law affecting all nations." 

At the same time, the Senate "reaffirms the unwavering support of the people and the Government of the United States for the people of Ukraine and Ukraine’s territorial integrity."

The resolution calls upon the President and the entire Administration to implement an all of government approach to forcefully express opposition to the Russian Federation’s November 25, 2018 attack on Ukrainian forces at every opportunity.  

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