Settling Ukrainian Crisis Without Russia Impossible

There can be no solution to the crisis in Ukraine without Russia, President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz said Friday.

"Some like it, some don't, but there will be no solution without Russia involved, there is no choice but to continue talking to Russia, obviously showing them clearly that the relations with Moscow would not return to the previously existing state as long as the crisis is not solved," Schulz said at the 11th Annual Meeting of the Yalta European Strategy (YES), RIA Novosti reports.

"The crisis could not be solved with military means, and all the parties should refrain from warmongering and from deploying inflammatory rhetoric," he added.

The president of the European Parliament also said that in light of the declared ceasefire, Europe should postpone new sanctions against Russia.

On Friday, the European Union announced the introduction of a new round of sanctions against Russia, targeting the country's major defense and energy companies, as well as senior Russian officials.

The European Union, alongside the United States, introduced sanctions against Russia before over Russia's alleged role in escalating the Ukrainian crisis. Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in the conflict, and, in response to sanctions from western countries, implemented a food embargo on imports from the United States, EU, Australia, Canada and Norway.

The Yalta European Strategy in Kiev is a platform aimed at developing strategies for Ukraine and Wider Europe and promoting Ukraine's European integration. YES was established in 2004 by the Ukrainian businessman and public figure Victor Pinchuk and is led by a board that includes former Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, former NATO Secretary General and EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, among others.

Bakudaily.Az