US reaffirms refusal to accept Russia annexing Crimea

The US government said Wednesday it will not accept Russia’s annexation of the Crimea region from Ukraine, a declaration apparently aimed at highlighting President Donald Trump’s intent to hold the Kremlin accountable for its aggression.

“In concert with allies, partners, and the international community, the United States rejects Russia’s attempted annexation of Crimea and pledges to maintain this policy until Ukraine’s territorial integrity is restored,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

The declaration was released just one hour before Pompeo testifies to Congress about US-Russia ties following Trump’s controversial closed-door summit with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
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