Press Release: Russia has transformed Black Sea military landscape, say foreign affairs MEPs

The European Parliament's foreign affairs committee approved a resolution on 5 May 2015 stating that the European Union should step up sanctions and consider the possibility of providing Ukraine with defensive arms, should Russia not apply the Minsk ceasefire deals in full and return Crimea to Ukraine.

Members of the committee considered that returning Crimea is vital to the EU’s long-run cooperation with Russia and urged EU countries to step up their own defence capabilities.

The text also looked at Black Sea Basin military changes since Russia illegally annexed Crimea.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Crimea - a year in Russian hands http://www.europeansources.info/record/crimea-a-year-in-russian-hands/

ESO: Background information: EU extends sanctions against Russia until Minsk deal implemented http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-extends-sanctions-against-russia-until-minsk-deal-implemented/

Politico, 12.05.15: John Kerry dangles Russia sanctions relief http://www.politico.eu/article/john-kerry-dangles-sanctions-relief-during-trip-to-russia/

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