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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognized two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine as independent, escalating a crisis that the West fears would spark a major war.
In a lengthy televised speech, Mr Putin described Ukraine as an integral part of Russia’s history and said that eastern Ukraine was ancient Russian land and that he was confident that the Russian people would support his decision.
The Russian president announced in a telephone conversation about his decision the leaders of Germany and France, who expressed their disappointment, according to the Kremlin. The Russian President then appeared on state television signing the decree recognizing the independence of the regions.
Moscow’s move jeopardizes the last-minute attempt for a possible meeting with US President Joe Biden to prevent a Russian attack on Ukraine.
Mr Putin delivered a lengthy televised speech that ended with the announcement of recognition of the two regions, referring to history from the Ottoman Empire to tensions over NATO eastward expansion, one of the main reasons Moscow has cited its dissatisfaction. during the current crisis.
“I consider it necessary to take a decision that should have been taken a long time ago – to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic,” Putin said.
He said earlier that “if Ukraine were to join NATO, it would pose a direct threat to Russia’s security.”
For years the Russian president has sought to restore Russian influence over the countries that emerged after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and Ukraine has had a significant place in his ambitions.
Russia denies plans to attack its neighbor, but has threatened unspecified “military-technical” action if it does not receive comprehensive security guarantees, including a promise that Ukraine will never join NATO.
Recognition of rebel-held areas could pave the way for Moscow to openly send troops to the two separatist regions – Donetsk and Luhansk – and argue that it is intervening as an ally to defend them against Ukraine.
A member of the Russian parliament and former political leader of Donetsk, Alexander Borodai, has said that the separatists will then wait for Russia to help them take control of parts of the two regions that are still under the control of Ukrainian forces.
The reaction of the West
The White House said it had anticipated this move by Moscow and would respond immediately.
In a statement, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said, “President Biden will soon issue an Executive Order banning new investment, trade, and financing from American citizens” in the breakaway regions.
“This executive order will also provide powers to impose sanctions on any person who wishes to operate in those areas of Ukraine. “The State and Treasury departments will have other additional details soon,” she said.
According to Ms. Psaki, the United States will announce additional measures in connection with “today’s flagrant violation of Russia’s international commitments.”
She clarified that these are additional measures, in addition to the most severe economic ones “that we have prepared in coordination with allies and partners, if Russia further intervenes in Ukraine.”
“We are continuing to consult closely with allies and partners, including Ukraine, on the next steps and Russia’s continued escalation along the border with Ukraine,” she said.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has condemned Russia for recognizing separatist regions as independent, accusing Moscow of creating a pretext for a new intervention.
“Moscow continues to escalate the conflict in eastern Ukraine by providing financial and military support to the separatists. “It is also trying to create a pretext for further attacks on Ukraine,” he said.
“This undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, weakens efforts to resolve the conflict and violates the Minsk Agreements to which Russia is a party,” Stoltenberg said.
While British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Moscow’s recognition of the independence of the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine is a violation of international law.
Mr. Johnson was speaking as Mr. Putin signed the decree recognizing them.
“(This action) is clearly in violation of international law. “It’s a flagrant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity,” Johnson told a news conference.
“It is a rejection of the Minsk process and the Minsk agreements, and I think it is a very bad omen and a very grim signal,” he said.
The British prime minister said he would hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensk on Monday and offer Britain’s support.
Earlier, the European Union had warned of sanctions by the 27-nation bloc countries if Moscow annexed or recognized the separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
“If there is recognition, I will put the topic of sanctions on the table and the ministers will decide,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell after a meeting of foreign ministers.
Earlier this week, US and European officials said the United States and its allies were not completely in agreement on how to respond to growing support for pro-Russian separatists.
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