UK PM: Russian presence unacceptable The real cause of this conflict is Russias refusal to recognise Ukraines independence and sovereignty. Decisions on Ukraines political and economic relationships should be for the people of Ukraine and no-one else. Said Mr Cameron PRESS ASSOCIATION David Cameron has denounced the presence of Russian troops on Ukrainian soil as unjustified and unacceptable, as he accused Moscow of trying to force its smaller neighbour to abandon its democratic choices at the barrel of a gun. The Prime Ministers comments came as it was announced that Nato leaders are to be asked at this weeks summit in Wales to approve the creation of a new high-readiness force and the stockpiling of military equipment and supplies in Eastern Europe to help protect member nations against potential aggression from Russia. Mr Cameron urged Western nations to show real resilience and resolve in the face of Russias indefensible actions in the east of Ukraine and warned Moscow that it faces a radically different relationship with the rest of the world if it continues on its current path. The presence of Russian soldiers on Ukrainian soil is completely unjustified and unacceptable, the Prime Minister said in a statement to the House of Commons. The real cause of this conflict is Russias refusal to recognise Ukraines independence and sovereignty. Decisions on Ukraines political and economic relationships should be for the people of Ukraine and no-one else. Russia appears to be trying to force Ukraine to abandon its democratic choices at the barrel of a gun. In the last two weeks weve seen a dramatic stepping up of Russian military support to the separatists in eastern Ukraine, including Russian troops fighting on the ground. We know from European history the grave danger of a nation state being threatened and undermined in this way, so the European Council agreed that the economic costs it has already imposed on Russia must be stepped up if Moscow persists with these indefensible actions. Nato secretary general Anders Fogh Rasmussen unveiled a new Readiness Action Plan, including proposals for a new force of several thousand troops to act as a spearhead to be deployed at very short notice to help member states defend themselves against any threat, including Russia. Backed by air and naval assets, the unit would be made up of troops contributed on a rolling basis by the 28 Nato member states, including the UK. A senior Nato official said that it was envisaged that the force could respond within two days of a threat, and elements of it could be in place by the end of this year. I cannot say you will see all of the elements in place by Christmas, but some parts of it will be, said the source. Speaking in Brussels, Mr Rasmussen said: The Readiness Action Plan will ensure that we have the right forces and the right equipment in the right place, at the right time. Not because Nato wants to attack anyone. But because the dangers and the threats are more present and more visible. And we will do what it takes to defend our allies. Nato leaders including Mr Cameron and US President Barack Obama are expected to use this weeks summit, which opens near Newport on Thursday, to discuss the military alliances response to the crisis in Ukraine. Russias effective annexation of Crimea has been denounced by the EU and US, and sanctions have been stepped up in response to Moscows failure to de-escalate the situation. Fresh concerns were prompted at the weekend by Russian President Vladimir Putins call for Ukraine to begin substantive, meaningful talks about the political organisation of society and statehood of the countrys eastern region, where pro-Moscow separatists have been clashing with forces loyal to the Kiev government. Responding to Mr Putins comments, Mr Rasmussen said: First and foremost, it is for the Ukrainians to decide what should be the future of their country. The Ukrainians should discuss this and the Ukrainians should take decisions without outside interference. Ukraine is a sovereign nation and it is for the Ukrainian people to decide the future of their country. And Mr Camerons official spokesman told a Westminster media briefing that Mr Putins statement was wholly at odds with what the Prime Minister and other EU leaders reiterated at the weekend in the European Council conclusions around the importance of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The European Council summit in Brussels on Saturday paved the way for further EU sanctions on Russia, expected to be announced later this week. Mr Cameron rejected suggestions that EU and US sanctions imposed on Russia since the annexation of Crimea in March were having little impact on Moscow. Capital has flown out of Russia, banks are short of finance and the Russian stock market and rouble have fallen significantly, said the Prime Minister. We have to show real resilience and resolve. Russia needs to understand that if it continues on its current path then its relationship with the rest of the world will be radically different in the future. Labour leader Ed Miliband told the Commons that continued Russian aggression must be met with a robust, co-ordinated and united international response which sends a clear signal to President Putin. He called for the EU to consider further sectoral sanctions in areas including energy, defence and financial services.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:54:08 +0000