THE PM’S OFFICE (Nettavisen): – The situation in Ukraine is dramatic. Yesterday is a crossroads. Later yesterday, Russian forces entered these areas of Ukraine. According to international law, this is Ukrainian territory, and it is a very serious act, said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party) in the introduction.
The Prime Minister further said that the current situation may persist, but that there may also be greater steps and pointed out that Russia has gathered 150,000 troops and materiel along Ukraine’s borders.
– We condemn the situation. What is happening now in eastern Ukraine is something that lasts. There is reason to believe that Russian thinking is about weakening Ukraine as a state, and perhaps going even further to full invasion. It is serious for Europe. Norway joins a reaction from the US and the EU, even though this is not an attack on NATO.
And he added:
– One of the topics in Brussels that I travel to later today will be to react quite firmly to what happened last day.
Støre pointed out once again that Ukraine is not a member of NATO, but that there are several neighboring countries, and that one must therefore react resolutely to what has happened.
Norway is connected
The Prime Minister was asked what specific situations can be introduced against Russia.
– This is something we are discussing now, and which we will return to. Norway is connected, said the Prime Minister.
Støre pointed out that the sanctions that will come will be adapted to yesterday’s action, but that stronger sanctions will be considered, if Russia goes even further and commits more serious actions.
Also read: This is the Ukraine crisis
The prime minister was asked if he fears fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces soon.
– There is reason to fear, Støre replied.
Will nurture the neighborly relationship further
Støre also talked about that Norway still wants to maintain a good neighborly relationship with the great power in the east, but that the Russians “new attitude to security policy” must be cracked down on.
– Norway as a neighbor has lived with the Soviet Union and Russia for many decades and managed to maintain that neighborly relationship in a pragmatic way. We want to continue with that, says Støre and refers to areas such as fishing and search and rescue.
– But for Norway, it is important for the principled sides when it comes to security in Europe to stand firm with our allies, says Støre.
He says Norway must attach itself to European sanctions to respond to the new course from Russia.
– Very serious
Late Monday night, the world learned that Russia has sent “peacekeeping forces” into Luhansk and Donetsk. Støre’s reaction was unmistakable.
– It is very serious when Russia now recognizes parts of Ukraine as detached republics. It is a serious violation of international law and an unacceptable attack on Ukraine’s territorial unity and integrity, Støre told NTB.
“It is also serious that the recent attempts to find political solutions with this are set back sharply, and the tone of President Putin’s speech combined with the strong military escalation around Ukraine gives reason to fear military confrontations from Russia, he added. to.
Joins European reaction
Both the US and the EU have extensive sanctions ready against Russia. The plans were discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday. When the news of the Russian recognition came, the EU announced sanctions against “those involved in this illegal act”.
– Norway will have close contact with our partners and join us in a common European reaction to what has happened tonight, the Prime Minister said.
On Tuesday morning, it was also announced that the EU will impose sanctions during the afternoon.
– Our answer comes, of course, in the form of sanctions. How powerful these will be, the ministers will decide. “I am confident that it will be a unanimous decision,” EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell told reporters in Paris on Tuesday morning.
The sanctions Russia will impose will be decided at an emergency meeting between EU foreign ministers in Paris later Tuesday. Most foreign ministers are already present in the French capital to attend an international ministerial meeting.
Borrell confirms that the sanctions will come during Tuesday afternoon, but does not state a specific time.
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