Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday recognising the independence of the separatist-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas area, The New York Times reports. During a speech on Monday, Putin also demanded the end of Ukraine’s military operations in the separatist areas, per AFP.
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, called the move a “blatant” violation of international law, Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the Minsk agreements. The United Nations Security Council, which is currently under Russian presidency, called an emergency meeting to address the recent escalations.
What you need to know: – Putin’s decree includes an order for the Russian military to conduct peacekeeping operations in the separatist territories, according to multiple reports. – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow’s move has “wrecked” the peace process and is “a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to Reuters. – The White House issued a statement on Monday announcing sanctions to come and an executive order to ban trade with Donetsk and Luhansk. EU and UK leaders also said they will announce sanctions on Russia in the coming days.
