The panel discusses the Ukraine crisis in an emergency session.
(Photo: Reuters)
new York Russian President Vladimir Putin further escalated the Ukraine crisis in the evening. The announcement, the self-proclaimed “People’s Republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine to recognize them as independent states, could provide an excuse to launch an invasion of Ukraine. Only a few hours later, Putin already ordered the transfer of troops to the region in eastern Ukraine. The US has called this the first step towards full invasion.
“Moreover, this move by President Putin is clearly the basis for Russia’s attempt to create a pretext for another invasion of Ukraine,” US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at a short notice Emergency session of the UN Security Council in New York on Monday evening (local time). Putin “tore to pieces” the Minsk agreement with his recognition of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.
The units are tasked with “keeping peace” in Donetsk and Luhansk, according to the decree, which was published late Monday evening. Putin had previously ordered a public meeting of the National Security Council and had his closest advisers back the move in front of the cameras.
For the Western allies, the step represents a violation of international law, as Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock made clear in the evening. She called on Russia to reverse the decision “and return to the path of diplomatic and political conflict resolution in line with the Minsk agreements.”
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As a result, the EU and the US want sanctions against Russia enacted US President Joe Biden wants to immediately sign a decree prohibiting business in or with the two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine recognized by Russia. A spokeswoman said further measures would follow. These are independent of sanctions that the USA and its allies have prepared in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.
On Tuesday they would USA in addition new measures announced, which are believed to be related to sanctions, a senior government official said at a telephone press conference. However, he also added that the US will continue to pursue diplomacy “until the tanks roll”.
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“We will take further action tomorrow to hold Russia accountable for this clear violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (…),” a senior White House official said. It will probably be about sanctions. Biden still has no intention of sending American forces into Ukraine.
Also the EU probably wants to meet on Tuesday sanctions package communicate. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Dutch television on Monday evening that a limited package of sanctions had been agreed, but that details would be available on Tuesday. The announcements of sanctions are also the result of a conference call between Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Biden in the evening. Another consequence of Putin’s announcement is the gathering of the UN Security Council, which met at 3 a.m. (CEST) for an emergency session.
In the light of recent developments, a Summit between Biden and Putin less likely. On Sunday evening, the two parties had agreed in principle to such a format at the initiative of France. Foreign Ministers Anthony Blinken and Sergey Lavrov wanted to discuss the details and content of such a meeting this Thursday – provided that Ukraine does not invade Russia.
With agency material.
More: All news can be found in the live blog on the Ukraine crisis