Kiev. January 6th. INTERFAX-UKRAINE - The security talks to be held next week will be crucial for Europe and the world, according to Liz Truss, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs and UK Development.
"Next week will be crucial for peace and security in Europe. Tomorrow I will join an extraordinary meeting of NATO foreign ministers. The US-Russia dialogue begins on Sunday, followed by the NATO-Russia Council on Wednesday and the OSCE Permanent Council on Thursday. We will speak on the basis of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. It is vitally important for NATO to unite in countering Russia's threatening behavior," the press service of the British government reports Truss' statement.
She stressed that the allies should unite to contain Russia and return it to fulfilling international obligations, including by ensuring Europe's energy independence from the Russian Federation.
"Europe should reduce its dependence on Russian gas. The UK still opposes Nord Stream 2. I am working with allies and partners to highlight the strategic risks of this project. We are approaching a crucial moment. The only way forward is Russia's de-escalation and its diplomatic path," the minister said.
Truss also recalled that the UK and partners are preparing a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, including measures against the financial sector and individuals.
"Last month I chaired the G7 foreign Ministers' meeting in Liverpool. We called on Russia to reduce the level of escalation, use diplomatic channels and comply with its obligations on transparency of military activities. We have made it clear that any further military invasion of Ukraine will entail huge consequences, including coordinated sanctions that will cause serious damage to Russia's interests and economy. The UK is working with our partners on these sanctions, including highly effective measures against the Russian financial sector and individuals," she said.
"We will continue to stand together with our allies, unwaveringly supporting Ukraine and its future as a free and sovereign democracy," the minister concluded.
Truss said during a speech in the UK parliament on Thursday that she plans to pay a working visit to Kiev in January 2022.
