After the intervention of Vladimir Putin, who declared that he recognized the two pro-Russian separatist territories in Ukraine, international reactions are linked. The EU and the United States are already preparing sanctions.
The intervention of Vladimir Putin sets fire to the powder. In the wake of the bellicose speech during which the Russian leader announced that he recognized the two pro-Russian separatist territories in Ukraine, international reactions were quick to take on Monday evening. Joe Biden is going “issue an executive order that will prohibit any new investment, trading, or financing by U.S. Persons to, from, or within the Regions” pro-Russians from Donetsk and Lugansk, said US President’s spokeswoman Jen Psaki. “These measures are separate from 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,” warns White House spokeswoman.
At the end of a defense council, Emmanuel Macron also asks for “targeted European sanctions”as well as a “emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council”, according to a press release from the Elysée.
Straightforwardly, the European Union qualifies this decision by Moscow as “flagrant violation of international law” and also intends to sanction “those involved” in this decision. The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, announces his intention to submit to the EU foreign ministers the measures provided for in the package of sanctions prepared in the event of military aggression against Ukraine by Russia. “If there is annexation, there will be sanctions and if there is recognition, I will put the sanctions on the table and the ministers will decide”he says.
To be enacted, European sanctions must be decided unanimously. And “unanimity on the Ukraine file is guaranteed”, says Josep Borrell. Consultations have also been underway between the leaders of EU countries since the start of the Russian president’s intervention and decisions are expected if Vladimir Putin goes further, according to a European source. The convening of an extraordinary European summit is envisaged in the event of Russian military aggression in Ukraine.