by Dramelin 12:30 AM 0 comments

PhotoUNITED NATIONS ? Nikki R. Haley, the new American ambassador to the United Nations, on Thursday condemned Russia for its recent ?aggressive actions? in eastern Ukraine. The conflict in eastern Ukraine escalated in recent days, after Mr. Trump spoke by phone on Saturday with Mr. Putin, whom Mr. Trump has said he admires. Mr. Putin, by contrast, blamed a financially struggling Ukraine ? and its need for money from the international community ? for the escalation. ?We do want to better our relations with Russia,? Ms. Haley said during her first remarks to an open briefing of the United Nations Security Council. ?However, the dire situation in eastern Ukraine is one that demands clear and strong condemnation of Russian actions.?She made it clear that American sanctions imposed after Russia?s annexation of Crimea would remain in place.