After weeks of tension, Vladimir Putin recognized this Monday, February 21 the independence of the pro-Russian separatist regions of eastern Ukraine. A decision unanimously condemned by Westerners.
“I consider it necessary to take this decision, which was ripe for a long time: to immediately recognize the independence of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic”, declared the Russian president during a televised address of almost an audience. time.
Vladimir Putin also threatened Ukraine, urging it to immediately cease “its military operations” against the separatists or to assume “responsibility for the continued bloodshed”.
In the wake of his long speech, the president signed “friendship and mutual aid” agreements with these separatist territories. A measure which not only puts an end to the peace process under Franco-German mediation but which could also pave the way for a Russian military deployment in these self-proclaimed “republics”.
Sanctions announced
At the end of Vladimir Putin’s speech, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States strongly condemned Moscow’s decision and announced sanctions.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has thus denounced “a flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of Ukraine and a “repudiation” of the Minsk peace agreements. He also assured that the United Kingdom would continue to do everything possible to support the Ukrainians, in particular by means of a “very robust sanctions package”.
British Foreign Minister Liz Truss also warned that Russia’s “violation” of its international commitments would not go “unpunished”.
Same story on the side of the European Union which described as “flagrant violation of international law” the recognition of the independence of the separatist regions.
The head of European diplomacy Josep Borrell has also announced his intention to submit retaliatory measures to the EU foreign ministers.
In a statement, French President Emmanuel Macron called for “an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council as well as the adoption of targeted European sanctions”.
By recognizing the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine, Russia is violating its commitments and undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. I condemn this decision. I called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and European sanctions.
—Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 21, 2022
On the side of the United States, a decree will soon be published in order “to prohibit any new investment, exchange or financing by American persons to, from or in the pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk. “Let it be clear: these measures are separate and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures we have prepared in coordination with our allies and partners should Russia further invade Ukraine,” the door-keeper warned. word of President Biden, Jen Psaki.
Condemning in turn the Russian decision, NATO called on Vladimir Putin to “choose the path of diplomacy” and to “withdraw the forces deployed on the borders of Ukraine and in Ukraine”.