Haley: Russian sanctions will continue under Trump

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Thursday the Trump administration will continue U.S. sanctions on Russia over its occupation of Crimea.

“Crimea is a part of Ukraine,” Haley said. “Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place until Russia returns control over the peninsula to Ukraine.”


Haley, speaking in her first appearance at the United Nations, said the United States condemns Russia’s “aggressive actions” and called for an immediate end to Russia’s occupation of Crimea.

“We do want to better our relations with Russia,” she said. “However, the dire situation in eastern Ukraine is one that demands clear and strong condemnation of Russia’s actions.”

This condemnation follows allegations that Russia attempted to influence the U.S. election in favor of President Donald Trump and comes the same day Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) announced a new Senate subcommittee investigation of Russia’s alleged election tampering.

Trump had raised eyebrows earlier this year when he left open the possibility of easing U.S. sanctions on Russia and said he wanted a “great relationship” with Russia.

Haley criticized the recent “escalation” in eastern Ukraine and called for the “full and immediate implementation” of the Minsk agreements, which aimed to stop the fighting there.

“This escalation of violence must stop,” she said. “The United States stands with the people of Ukraine who have suffered for nearly three years under Russian occupation and military intervention.”

