Developments in Ukraine are now taking a dramatic turn as Russian President Vladimir Putin a few hours earlier recognized the independence of the separatist territories of Donetsk and Lukhansk in eastern Ukraine.
The Russian President made an extensive, televised speech that lasted about an hour and a half, and through it he summed up that Moscow will recognize the independence of the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine with this decision that is expected to be taken immediately.
In particular, he instructed the Ministry of Defense to deploy Russian “peacekeeping forces” in the two areas of Donbass.
Russian state television broadcast footage of the Russian president signing a decree, clarifying that he would ask parliament to support the decision, and stressing that 4 million people are subject to genocide.
“Ukrainian forces are bombing civilian areas in Donbas and killing civilians before he wonders,” Putin said. “How much longer can we tolerate this?”
“I consider it necessary to immediately recognize the independence of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic,” he said, adding that he had the support of Russian citizens for his decision.
It is noted that Vladimir Putin claimed that American drones are constantly spying on Russia.
He argued that the whole situation is one cover for the rapid deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine. In fact, Ukraine’s accession to NATO is a direct threat to Russia’s security, according to him.
After all, he estimated, the West will impose sanctions on Russia anyway. The ground for sanctions will be found or invented and will have nothing to do with Ukraine, he argued.
In this context, Russia has the right to take countermeasures. “Russia has every right to protect its security and that is what we are doing,” he said.
Effervescence in the West
Putin’s speech sparked immediate reactions and widespread mobilization in the West, which European Council President Charles Michel tweeted will respond with unity, stability, determination and solidarity.
Indicative of the critical moments is the fact that the President of France Emanuel Macron convened an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Council tonight to discuss the latest developments in the Ukrainian crisis, as it became known today by the Elysee.
“A clear violation of international law” and “a clear violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine,” said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, recognizing the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk by Vladimir Putin.
In addition to telephone communication. lasting more than half an hour, US President Joe Biden immediately went with Ukrainian President Zelensky.
President Joe Biden will soon issue an executive order which will ban “new American investment, trade, and financing from, to, from, or into” the two breakaway pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, which Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized earlier as independent entities. announced the White House.
The decree will also provide for the imposition of sanctions “on any person who decides to operate in these parts of Ukraine,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
What is happening in Greece
Under the weight of the developments in Ukraine, it holds an extraordinary meeting today, at 09.30 in the morning, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the KYSEAwith the participation of the Minister of Environment and Energy Costas Skrekas.
The scenario of cutting off the country’s gas supply from the Russian-Ukrainian pipeline will be considered.
DEPA has already sounded the alarm and as company sources now report, they are turning to US gas imports through Revythousa, the Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal in Megara.
Characteristically, the same sources stated that American ships that transport natural gas and were originally destined for Asian countries, are expected to arrive in Greece soon, so as not to face a supply problem.
What does recognition by Russia mean?
For the first time, Russia has stated that it does not consider Donbass a part of Ukraine. This paves the way for Moscow to send troops to the breakaway regions, citing the fact that it is intervening as an ally to protect them against Ukraine. Russian lawmaker Alexander Borodai told Reuters last month that the separatists could then turn to Russia to help them take control of areas of Donetsk and Luhansk that are still under Ukrainian control. That, of course, would lead to an open military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
What will be born of the Minsk peace process?
Russia’s recognition of the independence of the self-proclaimed “Donetsk and Luhansk Democratic Republics” effectively puts an end to the Minsk agreements, which although not implemented were seen by all parties (including Russia) as the best opportunity to resolve the crisis. The agreements provided for a high degree of autonomy for the two specific regions of eastern Ukraine.
How will the West react?
For months, Western countries have been warning Moscow that any Russian military incursion into Ukrainian territory would provoke a strong response, including severe financial sanctions.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said last week that the recognition “would further undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a gross violation of international law and would further challenge Russia’s commitment to in diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to this crisis. ” He said he would demand an “immediate and strong” response from the United States and its allies.
Has Russia recognized other breakaway regions in the past?
Yes, Russia has recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two territories that seceded from Georgia after the 2008 war.
SOURCE: SKAIGR /
IMAGE SOURCE: AP
Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news
