Ukraine expelling 13 Russian diplomats - Poroshenko

"In response to a cynical chemical attack in Salisbury (the United Kingdom), Ukraine, in the spirit of solidarity with our British partners and transatlantic allies and in coordination with the EU countries, has decided to expel from Ukrainian territory 13 Russian diplomats of the few that still stay [in Ukraine]. As we know, our diplomatic relations with Russia are de facto frozen," he wrote.

According to him, Russia, through the poisoning of its former intelligence officer Sergei Skripal in Britain, once again confirmed its contemptuous attitude not only to the sovereignty of independent states, but also to the value of human life. "Ukraine feels it every day in the occupied Ukrainian Crimea and in Donbas," Poroshenko said.

In addition, he noted that it was important not to be limited to symbolic gestures.

"The next step is to increase the price for Moscow for committed international crimes, including by strengthening personal, financial and economic sanctions," Poroshenko said.

According to him, "our joint response to the Kremlin should continue to be decisive and tough in order to prevent new human tragedies and ensure respect for international law."

op