The United Kingdom, Italy and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) have condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of the separatist regions of Donetsk and the Luhansk People’s Republic in eastern Europe as independent states.
On Twitter, UK Secretary of State Lis Truss described the Russian move as a “blatant boycott” of the Minsk agreements signed in September 2014, among others. It gave Moscow a voice in Ukrainian politics, proposing a formula designed to reunite the divided regions in Ukraine with Russian support..
Moreover, Liz Truss said the UK would provide a cohesive response with other allies.
“This move reflects another attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. […] And demonstrates Russia’s determination to choose the path of conflict against dialogue, “he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council and the imposition of European sanctions, saying “Russia is violating its obligations and compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
In a statement, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi de Mayo condemned the recognition of separatists by the Russian government, saying the decision was contrary to the Minsk agreements and “a serious obstacle to seeking a diplomatic solution”.
According to the Chancellor, Italy continues to maintain the unity and full sovereignty of Ukraine within internationally recognized borders.
“Italy is in constant contact with European and Atlantic allies to coordinate the response to the announcement by the President of the Russian Federation,” the statement added.
Estonian President Alarm Garris said on Twitter that the country would never accept Russia’s illegal decision to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk regions because both regions are “internationally recognized as part of Ukraine”, as well as Crimea and Moscow, “but take diplomacy seriously.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was another critic of Vladimir Putin and accused Moscow of “provoking conflict in eastern Ukraine and providing financial and military support to separatists.”
“It undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, erodes efforts to resolve the conflict and violates the Minsk agreements with Russia as a party,” Stoltenberg concluded.
After Russia officially recognized Vladimir Putin, Donetsk and Luhansk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky said he had spoken by phone with US President Joe Biden and signaled that he would contact First-British Minister Boris Johnson.
The U.S. retaliated by contacting the Ukrainian president and imposing sanctions on separatist areas recognized by Putin. The EU said it would respond accordingly after the Russian government’s approach.
Ukraine says 10 airlines have suspended operations across the country due to US warnings of a major offensive by Russian forces on the border, amid the possibility of an ever-closer conflict.
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