Argentina has no intention to sanction Russia: Sources

Official sources told La Nación, Argentina's daily paper, that Argentina has no intention to "punish" Russia economically regarding its military operation in Ukraine.

Official sources responded to calls of punishing Russia by saying that Argentina bases its actions on international law and on strict adherence to all principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and its mechanisms, adding that the priority is to defuse the conflict in all its aspects to ensure peace and security.

Argentina, one of the Latin American countries that maintain a close relationship with Russia, confirmed that all parties concerned are advancing in diplomatic negotiations that would allow a political solution to the growing conflict, in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and the respect for human rights.

The statement said lasting solutions could only be achieved through dialogue and mutual commitments that guarantee basic peaceful coexistence. 

Sergey Nebrat, a Ukrainian diplomat in Argentina, told the newspaper Saturday that Ukraine expects Argentina's support to sanction Russia and added that they were not satisfied.

The Russian president Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation in Donbass, stressing that the Russian forces do not have any intention to occupy Ukraine; however, it will defend itself against Ukrainian forces if it must.