International reaction: US and EU announce sanctions

Strong international criticism and reported reactions: The European Union and the United States want to react to Russia’s decision to recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics as independent states with sanctions.

Russia’s recognition of the independence of separatist areas in eastern Ukraine has drawn strong international criticism. Foreign Minister Annalena Barbach condemned the move as a “blatant violation of international law” and a “serious blow to all diplomatic efforts to resolve the current conflict peacefully and politically.”

President Olaf Scholes (SPD), US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron have strongly condemned Putin’s actions in a three-way phone call. “All three speakers acknowledged that Russia’s unilateral action is a clear violation of the Minsk Accord,” said Stephen Hebstreet, a spokesman for the federal government. This step is “not unanswered”.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky responded with caution. “We are loyal to the path of peace and diplomacy, and this is the only way,” Zelenskyj said in a speech at night. “Recognizing the independence of the occupied districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is a unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreements.” Kiev will not react to provocations – but will not give up any territory. In addition, Ukraine wants a so-called summit with Germany, France and Russia in the form of Normandy.

Restrictions were announced

The European Union and the United States have announced sanctions. The commission’s chairman, Ursula van der Leyen, and council chairman, Charles Michel, said the move was aimed at recognizing Russia’s territories as independent.

Both strongly condemned the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “Recognizing the two separatist areas in Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Minsk Accords,” they wrote. “The European Union and its partners will respond with solidarity, commitment and determination in solidarity with Ukraine.”

Proper operations are still open

What sanctions would be imposed by the EU was initially open. Joseph Borel, the EU’s foreign policy chief, pointed out that sanctions packages with various components were being prepared even before Russian recognition. Spaniard explained that these elements could be activated depending on the size of the respective Russian occupation.

As previously reported, the set of measures prepared by the EU includes property freezes and EU entry restrictions on individuals, as well as financial and economic sanctions. For example, important high-tech components could be subject to export sanctions and Russia’s access to international financial markets.

British Foreign Secretary Lis Truss also announced new sanctions against Russia. He commented on Twitter. The government in London wants to announce on Tuesday what these will look like.

The United States has also announced sanctions

Following the recognition, the United States also announced sanctions against the two separatist regions. US President Joe Biden has issued a decree banning separatist areas. Accordingly, all financial transactions and trade with separatist areas in eastern Ukraine are prohibited for US citizens with immediate effect.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blingen has said the order is aimed at preventing Russia from making a profit by blatantly violating international law. These measures are not directed against the Ukrainian people or government and do not preclude humanitarian aid and other similar activities.

Biden is on the phone with Zelenskyj

Biden also promised a “quick and decisive” response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine. In a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zhelensky, Biden stressed the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the White House said. “President Biden reiterated that the United States, with its allies and partners, will respond quickly and decisively to the Russian aggression against Ukraine,” it said.

Biden invited partners in Europe after the end of Russia. In addition to Selenskyj, he also spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholes and French President Emmanuel Macron.

UN Security Council meeting

UN The Security Council is also intensifying the conflict. The United States, Britain, France, Albania, Norway and Ireland have called for an emergency meeting. In the past few weeks, Western nations in the 15-member UN Security Council have drawn up an action plan in case of an attack on Ukraine or any other expansion.

It also includes a draft resolution calling on Moscow to respect Ukraine’s regional integrity.

Kremlin President Putin has previously recognized Russian-backed separatist-held areas in eastern Ukraine as independent states. At the same time, Putin called on the Russian parliament to conclude agreements with the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics so that Russia could extend military support to them. In the West, it is suspected that the escalating conflict in eastern Ukraine could be used by the Russian government as an excuse for Russian aggression across Ukraine.