29-03-2024 12:55 AM Jerusalem Timing

Ukraine Halts Trade with Crimea

Ukraine Halts Trade with Crimea

Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has decided to temporarily stop freight transport communication with Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula.

Kiev soldiersUkrainian Cabinet of Ministers has decided to temporarily stop freight transport communication with Russia-annexed Crimean peninsula, the government's press service reported Monday.

During an extraordinary meeting, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk instructed the Cabinet to prepare a draft government order on a specific list of goods and services that can be provided to the Crimea.

"In order for the list of products to meet the interests of Ukraine, I propose to involve the Crimean Tatar Mejlis so we take into account the interests of our brotherly Crimean Tatar people," said Yatsenyuk.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko addressed the government with a proposal to consider the termination of freight transport communication with Crimea, according to a statement released Monday.

Poroshenko also offered to "ensure temporarily termination of road and railroad freight transport communication with Crimea in both directions before the adoption of respective decision."

"Confrontation between public activists and occupational authorities of Crimea has been escalated recently. A series of criminal cases against the initiators of trade blockade of Crimea have been opened. The initiators demand full termination of trade relations with the occupied territory," Poroshenko said in a statement.

Meanwhile, top official from Ukrainian Interior Ministry, Illya Kiva, reported that Russian military equipment was brought to the border between mainland Ukraine and Crimea.

"Russian forces are on full combat readiness. Some 12 tanks and 'Grad' rocket launchers were brought to all three areas near the contact line," Kiva said.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been soured since demonstrations erupted in Kiev and toppled the pro-Russian President.