Kerry Says Russia Made ‘Constructive Moves’ to Ease Tensions in Ukraine

Russia has made "constructive moves" aimed at solving the Ukrainian crisis, US Secretary of State John Kerry said, adding that Western sanctions on Moscow could be lifted if the situation in Ukraine de-escalates.

MOSCOW, December 17 (Sputnik) – Russia has recently made "constructive moves" aimed at easing tensions in conflict-ridden Ukraine, US Secretary of State John Kerry said during a press conference in London.

"Let me say that Russia has made constructive moves in the last days and there are some indications that whether it is the line of control negotiation or the calm that is, in fact, in place in a number of places, the withdrawal of certain people, there are signs of constructive choices. And that can only be helpful, hopefully," Kerry said with regard to the situation in Ukraine. "And our hope is that in the days ahead we can get a clear, defined path by all parties, where everybody understands what each is doing and living up to agreements and in moving to de-escalate this situation," he added.

The US State Secretary reiterated that the West had imposed sanctions on Russia over Moscow's alleged involvement in Ukraine, adding they can be lifted if tensions ease. "[T]he sanctions were clearly intended to invite President Putin to make a different set of choices. … [They] could be lifted in a matter of weeks or days, depending on the choices that President Putin takes," Kerry stated.

US President Barack Obama intends to sign legislation passed by US Congress that would impose harsher sanctions on Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis. The United States, as well as the European Union and a number of other countries have introduced several rounds of sanctions against Russia in recent months, targeting its banking, energy and defense sectors.

Russia has repeatedly denied its involvement in the situation in Ukraine. Moscow has contributed to the establishment of peace in the country by helping reach a ceasefire deal between Ukrainian independence supporters and Kiev authorities.