You're reading: Biden: US ready for further measures if Russia ignores its Minsk commitments

The United States is prepared to consider additional measures of influence if Russia does not comply with its commitments under the Minsk agreements, US Vice President Joe Biden has said. 

“I believe that sanctions have been impactful and continue to be a useful tool for raising the costs to Russia for interfering in the affairs of a sovereign state. No matter what its leadership may claim, the Russian state is integrated into the global economy and sanctions have had a powerful effect, which will be amplified over time,” he said on the eve of his visit to Ukraine in an interview with Ukraine’s Day newspaper, which was published on its website on Nov. 20.

He said that Russia still had the option of fulfilling its commitments under the Minsk agreements, which would lead to the rolling back of some of the sanctions.

“If it does not do so, however, we are fully prepared to intensify the costs for Russia’s aggressive actions in Ukraine. I also want to again condemn Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, and the United States, in consultation with our allies, is prepared to consider additional measures to make clear Russia’s actions are unacceptable,” Biden said.