‘World’s eyes on Russia’
THE Prime Minister believes the European Union should “reconsider its approach to Russia” after fresh evidence linked proMoscow separatists to the flight MH17 tragedy.
David Cameron spoke with Dutch PM Mark Rutte about the tragedy, with both agreeing that the EU’s relationship with Moscow should be rethought.
Russia’s Ambassador to the UK, Alexander Yakovenko, has been summoned to the Foreign Office to be told President Vladimir Putin must use his influence on the separatists to ensure access to the crash site, No 10 said.
The EU has already imposed sanctions against Russians involved in efforts to destabilise Ukraine, but the comments from Downing Street indicate further action could be taken.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond warned Putin “the world’s eyes are on Russia” and expressed his frustration with the Kremlin after chairing a high-level meeting inWhitehall.
He said:“We’re not seeing Russia using their influence effectively enough to get the separatists to allow the access that we need.
“This is not about Russia and the West, this is about the whole community demanding proper access to this site, the victims are properly recovered and evidence is secured.”
Mr Cameron also spoke to Australia’s Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, about the catastrophe.
They agreed to increase pressure at the UN Security Council for access the crash site.
The No 10 spokeswoman said: “All three leaders are clear that President Putin needs to use his influence on the separatists to ensure they allow access to the crash site.”
Six investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch are in Ukraine, working to establish what happened to flight MH17.