Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized in a speech in the early hours of Tuesday (22), at local time, still Monday night in Brazil, the decision of Russian Vladimir Putin to recognize the rebels in the east of the country and send troops in support of the separatists.
Putin announced the decision in a stern televised speech, in which he said the neighboring country “has never been a true state” and is now a “puppet colony” of the United States.
For Zelensky, Russia on Monday “destroyed peace efforts”. He said Ukrainians would not give up “any part” of their land and denied making any concessions in this regard – Russian troops were sent to Lugansk and Donetsk provinces.
After accusing Moscow of violating Ukrainian territorial sovereignty and thereby unilaterally ending the Minsk Accords, Zelensky said he still defends the diplomatic path towards a solution to the crisis – although, according to him, the country is prepared to long-term actions.
“We are not afraid of anything or anyone, we owe nothing to anyone and we will not give anything to anyone,” he said, adding that Ukraine expected “clear and effective” steps from its allies to act against Russia. The president also called an emergency summit with the leaders of Germany, France and Russia itself, in the so-called Normandy format.
Before speaking, Zelensky attended a meeting of the country’s Security and National Defense Council and spoke with Briton Boris Johnson and Biden. He would also speak with the presidents of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and of the European Council, Charles Michel.
The UN Security Council will meet on Monday night, in New York, to discuss the issue in an emergency meeting. As Ukraine is not currently part of the collegiate, the country needed some of the members to convene the meeting – Brazil, which occupies one of the rotating seats, supported the Ukrainian election.
Before Zelensky’s speech, world leaders reacted with threats of sanctions and responses to Putin’s step to recognize the territories of Lugansk and Donetsk and announce the deployment of troops.
The two territories, with pro-Russian leaders, have been in conflict with the Ukrainian government since the 2014 civil war, which left thousands dead and, now, an already little respected ceasefire. Today, they are the main focus of the dispute between the Kremlin and the West.
In addition to condemning the actions of Putin, who announced the decision in an aggressive televised speech before signing the recognition of the territories’ independence, the leaders promised further sanctions on Russia.
“Recognition of the so-called ‘People’s Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk’ as ‘independent’ requires a swift and firm response, and we will take appropriate steps in coordination with our partners,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki also said that President Joe Biden will issue decrees announcing sanctions on Russia. “We anticipate a move like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately. President Biden will soon sign a decree banning US citizens’ investment, trade and financial transactions in any way with these regions of Ukraine.”
German Olaf Scholz, through his spokesman, said that he, Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron “agree that this unilateral measure by Russia constitutes a clear violation” of the Minsk Accords, which had been brokered precisely by France. and Germany for the ceasefire in the region in 2014 and 2015.
“By recognizing the breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, Russia is violating its commitments and undermining Ukrainian sovereignty. I condemn this decision. I called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting and European sanctions,” Macron said in his statement. profile on twitter.
On the 17th, Blinken, US Secretary of State, denounced at a meeting of the same council the imminence of a Russian invasion. “Our aim is to convey the gravity of the situation. The evidence on the ground is that Russia is heading towards an imminent invasion. This is a crucial moment,” he said at the time.
The UK also spoke out and said it would impose sanctions on the Russians. “Tomorrow we will announce new sanctions on Russia in response to the breach of international law and the attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” wrote Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.
The Secretary General of NATO (Western Military Alliance) also criticized the Russian maneuver. “I condemn Russian recognition of Donetsk and Lugansk in Ukraine. It erodes efforts to resolve the conflict and violates the Minsk Accords. NATO supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We urge Moscow to stop instigating conflict and choose diplomacy “, he stated.
