Munich vice versa

Russia is responsible for the armed conflict in the Donbass. This was stated by US Vice President Mike Pence at a security conference in Munich, reports Associated Press.

"We must bring Russia to justice and demand the respect of the Minsk agreements, starting with the de -escalation of the conflict in the east of Ukraine," said Pence.

Pence also assured the United States to fulfill his obligations to NATO and the EU. He stated that America would strengthen its armed forces to protect its allies.

Angel Merkel stated at a conference on the need to continue work within the “Norman format” on the implementation of the Minsk agreements in order to achieve a long -term ceasefire in the Donbass. “Not all points of the Minsk agreements have been completed, but we must continue this work and achieve a long -term ceasefire,” said the Ancler of Germany.

Merkel also indicated the need to strengthen NATO. “After the annexation of Crimea and hostilities in the east of Ukraine, NATO played an important role,” she emphasized. “We must act very decisively and at the same time preserve the European order. I want to greet the proposal to strengthen the eastern Flank of NATO. We will do this within the fifth article of the Alliance Charter.”

At the same time, Merkel noted that despite the existing disagreements with Russia, it is important to remember that this is an EU neighbor, and relationships must be improved.

On Tuesday, the White House spokeswoman Sean Spicer said that Donald Trump is holding a “tough” position in relation to Russia. The US president expects Russia to turn aggression against Ukraine, and also return the annexed Crimea to this country , Spicer said. Trump, the official emphasized, made it understand "extremely clear." “At the same time, he (the US President. - Ed.) Use all the way he will get along with Russia, and wants it,” added Spicer.

On Wednesday, the State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said that Trump's words contradict his election promises. According to the speaker, Trump himself must voice the position on the Crimea , since the statements of his spokeswoman can incomplete the point of view of the head of state in this regard.

The Kremlin also said that Russia would not discuss the topic of the return of Crimea to Ukraine, including with the United States. “As for the return of Crimea, this topic will not be discussed, because it cannot be discussed. Russia does not discuss issues related to its territory, with foreign partners,” said Dmitry Peskov, spokesman Vladimir Putin. “The President of Russia very patiently and consistently explains to its partners and interlocutors the reasons that have made the Crimeans decided to seek protection from Russia and become it It is partly patient and consistently telling the story of the coup in Ukraine, which was largely sponsored from abroad. " Peskov also asked to wait for the final formation of the Trump administration and the first official contacts.

On Wednesday, Trump said that US President Barack Obama showed excessive softness towards Russia in the issue of the annexation of Crimea. "Crimea was taken by Russia under the Obama administration. Was it not too soft towards Russia?" - wrote Trump on Twitter.