美国谴责俄罗斯在乌东地区的“侵略行径”

The new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations took a firm stance against Russian military action in eastern Ukraine Thursday, condemning Moscow’s “aggressive actions” and saying U.S. Crimea related sanctions will remain in place.

“I must condemn the aggressive actions of Russia,” Nikki Haley told the U.N. Security Council at her first public meeting since being confirmed last week as President Donald Trump’s U.N. envoy. “We do want better relations with Russia,” Haley said. “However, the dire situation in eastern Ukraine is one that demands clear and strong condemnation of Russian actions.”

Haley said U.S.-imposed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula also will remain in place until control of that territory is returned to Kyiv.

During the months long presidential campaign, Donald Trump expressed admiration for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, and there are questions about whether Russia interfered in the U.S. election in order to undermine Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. These left many foreign policy observers wondering whether the Trump administration would take a hard line on Moscow. Haley’s comments appeared to indicate the administration is not prepared to pursue improved relations with Moscow at any price.

Earlier Thursday, The U.S. Treasury Department announced it is easing some restrictions on business transactions with Russia's Security Service (FSB), despite cyber- sanctions put in place by former President Barack Obama.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the move does not mean the United States is easing sanctions on Russia.