19 May 2017 18:36

Ukrainian FM calls sanctions imposed on Russian websites, social networks Kyiv's targeted countermeasures

KYIV. May 19 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin explained Kyiv's sanctions imposed on physical and legal entities, including a number of Russian websites and social networks, during a session of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Friday.

"[I have] informed the Council of Europe about the NDSC's [Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council] decision on Russian websites and social networks," he said on Twitter on Friday.

In particular, the Ukrainian foreign minister explained to his counterparts the reasons why Ukrainian authorities had to introduce such restrictions.

"The introduced restrictions are targeted countermeasures imposed in accordance with the principle of proportionality on the Russian Federation as a state that must be held accountable for its actions," Klimkin said.

"It is an important format and a good opportunity to synchronize our watches with colleagues," he said regarding the session of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.

As reported, Klimkin is paying a working visit to Cyprus, where he is participating in the 127th session of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, on May 18-19.