US will impose 'severe costs' on those who support Russia's annexation of Ukraine
03 Oct 2022 03:36pm
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan - AFP photo
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US national security adviser Jake Sullivan issued the reiteration of US support for Kyiv during a meeting in Istanbul on Sunday with Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, United Press International (UPI) reported the White House said in a statement.
Sullivan "conveyed that the United States and its allies and partners will not be deterred by Russia's flagrant violations of international law including the United Nations Charter and will impose costs on any individual, entity or country that provides support to Russia's purported annexation”, the readout of the meeting said.
The meeting was held two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the annexation of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson following the completion of referendums that have been widely denounced as a sham.
During a speech on Friday, the Russian president pointed to the referendums in support of his annexation attempts, stating this is the will of millions of people.
According to the White House, Sullivan and Yermak also discussed the situation at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after Ihor Murashov, the director of the plant was detained by Russia as well as Ukraine's work with the United Nations to export food.
"Sullivan emphasised the United States is committed to supporting the Ukrainian people as they defend their sovereignty and democracy," it cited the White House said.
Since Putin announced his attempt to annexe the four regions, several democratic nations have responded with sanctions including the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
In response to Russia's move, Ukraine also announced that it has applied to join Nato. Putin has blamed the expansion of the defensive military alliance for his invasion of Ukraine. - BERNAMA
