Trump to consider recognizing Crimea as Russian, lifting sanctions

U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump told reporters on July 27 that he will consider recognizing Crimea as Russian territory and lifting the related sanctions. At the news conference, Trump said he “would be looking into that” when asked about his stance on Crimea and Russia, the politico.com web site reported.

Zenon Zawada: Such comments confirm that a Trump presidency threatens to undermine the current status of international law and agreements. His candidacy is already emboldening Russian President Putin and with his comments, Trump is on track to adopting a foreign policy of Russian appeasement, far more accommodating than Hillary Clinton’s failed reset. The Ukrainian government should be preparing for the prospects of a Trump presidency, which means building the necessary financial, economic and military reserves to defend against further Russian aggression amid much weakened Western support.