Russian recognition of the independence of two separatist districts in eastern Ukraine dealt a severe setback to efforts to avoid a Russian invasion of Ukraine. As a result, the United States imposed financial sanctions on the rebel territories as reported by NDTV.
Here are the latest developments on the Russia-Ukraine crisis:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed mutual aid and friendship agreements with rebel leaders in the Kremlin today. “I believe it is necessary to take a long-overdue decision, to immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic,” he said.
- Russia had been cautioned repeatedly by the West not to recognise Ukraine’s separatists. However, Russia’s most recent decrees effectively bury a shaky ceasefire accord that governs the conflict.
- Ukraine, the United States, five European nations, and Mexico have requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council today.
- At the meet, India called for de-escalation of the crisis. “We can’t afford a military escalation. We call for restraint on all sides. We’re convinced that this issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue,” India’s representative said at the UNSC meeting on the Ukraine crisis.
- The United States has announced financial sanctions against rebel territories freshly recognised by Russia in eastern Ukraine. “I have signed an Executive Order to deny Russia the chance to profit from its blatant violations of international law. We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps,” President Joe Biden said while signing the executive order.
- Russian soldiers, including fighter jets, tanks, helicopters, and heavy artillery, are stationed just a few kilometres from the Ukrainian border. According to the West, all of this speaks to Russia’s determination to launch a full-scale war in the region.
- Russia says that the military buildup has always been for military exercises and that it poses no threat to Ukraine or any other country.
- UN chief Antonio Guterres said that they were greatly concerned by Russia’s decision on the status of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. “We remain fully supportive of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within internationally recognized borders,” he posted on Twitter.
- Tensions have risen in recent days with an outburst of intense shelling on Ukraine’s eastern frontier with separatists, as well as a series of reported border incidents with Russia.
- In a speech to the country today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of sabotaging peace efforts and ruled out any territorial compromises.
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Source: NDTV
