Ukraine Officials Discuss Russia Sanctions With US Senator Collins In Washington- Embassy

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th May, 2019) Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze and Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly have discussed with US Republican Senator Susan Collins, during their meeting in Washington, the possibility to impose new sanctions on Russia, the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States has said in a statement.

"The Ukrainian side has expressed hope that the US senator will support the passing of additional legal acts aimed at increasing sanction pressure on Russia, due to happen in near future," the embassy said.

Klympush-Tsintsadze and Chaly have stressed that it is important that US Federal budget for 2020 envisages increased funding of programs of military support for Ukraine, the embassy added. The Ukrainian officials have emphasized the need to boost Kiev's marine defense during their talks with Collins, who is a member of the US Senate's Appropriations Committee.

"They have also discussed further cooperation between Ukraine and the United States on countering the construction of Russian Nord Stream-2 pipeline," the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States said.

Kiev opposes the Nord Stream-2, which aims to deliver 55 billion cubic meters (1.9 trillion cubic feet) of Russian natural gas to the EU states every year bypassing Ukraine, over concerns that it may suffer gas transit revenue drop if the Nord Stream-2 becomes operational. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia will not halt the transit of gas through Ukraine if this remains cost-effective.

Klympush-Tsintsadze has invited Collins to visit the Ukrainian capital of Kiev in December.

The embassy has not provided any information on Collins' comments.