16/04/2014

Hague Warns Russia Could Face Isolation

Foreign Secretary William Hague has warned Moscow about serious long-term consequences and international isolation if Russia continues to destabilise Ukraine.

Speaking at the Lord Mayor's Easter banquet in London, Mr Hague said Russia could face an isolation leading to economic damage though a reduction in foreign investment.

He said: "In recent days Russia has deliberately pushed Ukraine to the brink, and created a still greater risk of violent confrontation.”

"Russia must choose whether it is open to diplomacy and de-escalation, and if it decides otherwise, we must be ready for a different state of relations with Russia in the next 10 years than in the last 20. Ukraine can be a bridge between East and West and be able to have good relations with Russia”, he added.

He concluded: "My message to Moscow is that if anyone thinks they can do these things without serious long-term consequences they are making a grave miscalculation."

(CVS)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

03 March 2014
UK Pulls Out Of G8 Prep Talks
The UK has pulled out of preparatory talks for this year's G8 summit it has been confirmed. The move comes as Russia continues to increase its troops in the Ukrainian region of Crimea. The summit is due to be hosted in the Russian city of Sochi later this year.
19 March 2014
UK Condemns Russian “Land Grab” of Crimea
The foreign secretary has condemned the Crimea "land grab" as illegal and said the UK was suspending all arms export licences and military co-operation with Moscow. Similar actions is also being considered by the EU, he said.
08 October 2015
British Troops To Be Sent To Baltic Region
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed around 100 British troops are to be sent to the Baltic Region. An additional 25 are to be involved in a continuing training mission in Ukraine, it is understood.
27 October 2008
£23m Russian Olympic Contract Welcomed
A multi-million pound engineering contract that would supply diggers to prepare for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, has been welcomed by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson. UK-based JCB and a Russian civil engineering contractor announced the £23 million contract on the second day of the Business Secretary's visit to Russia.
26 June 2003
Blair and Putin agree trade and environmental goals
Growing economic ties between the UK and the Russian Federation were strengthened today as the countries' leaders agreed to work together on increasing investment and development in energy.