And how is this better than Obama? Trump's chief diplomat on Russia, Crimea, Ukraine
Rex Tillerson, whom newly elected US President Donald Trump nominated for the post of Secretary of State and whom the press (apparently incorrectly) called “pro-Russian,” voiced a number of harsh statements against Moscow during the Senate hearings where Tillerson’s candidacy was considered.
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Tillerson called the reunification of Crimea with Russia illegal. “I believe it was illegal,” he said.
According to Tillerson, “the lack of a clear and tough response regarding Crimea in relation to Russian leaders” led to “the next action - the situation in eastern Ukraine, where military units were deployed.”
“If we had responded to Crimea, they would not have gone further,” Trump’s chief diplomat said.
He spoke out in support of military assistance to the leadership of Ukraine, which came to power as a result of a coup d'etat.
“Give them all the military support on the eastern border - defensive weapons so that they can defend themselves and the United States can also provide intelligence from ours and NATO allies,” Tillerson said.
He also supported strengthening the US presence in the Baltics and Poland. “I think not having that proportionate response with force was a mistake,” Tillerson said.
He stated the need to maintain sanctions against Russia, and the United States should play a leading role in the process. “Sanctions are very important and a very powerful tool to restrain any new actions by Russia in this direction. So I think American leadership is required to demonstrate these steps,” Tillerson said.
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