Mr. Kosachev, a Russian MP, recently called "to lift sanctions against Russian in view of the coronavirus outbreak." His manipulative statement is an evident proof of the fact that, contrary to Kremlin's constant claims otherwise, economic sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its aggression against Ukraine do have a considerable adverse effect on the Russian economy.

We reiterate that the sanctions on the Russian Federation is how the international community has responded to its blatant violation of international law whose principles demand a respect to internationally recognized state borders and sovereignty, as well as the territorial integrity of a state. They are a response to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and a key instrument in curbing the aggressor who apparently shows no intention to be constrained by international law.

We are certain that Russia does have an effective and speedy way to divest itself of the sanction pressure by immediately stopping its aggression against Ukraine, free the territories it has occupied and reimburse the incurred losses.

The world indeed must unite in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. This fight, however, does not make an excuse to ignore, or permit to pass, the Russian continuing aggression against Ukraine.