Russia has recognised Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) regions of Ukraine as independent republics. Conflict in Donbas was first erupted in 2014 following Russia’s annexation of the Crimea region. Putin has repeatedly accused Ukraine in failing to meet the Minsk Protocol obligations which provides a multi-national framework for resolving the issues.
Recognition was announced during the Russian Security Council meeting. In the meeting Ukrainian territory were recognised as an independent republics and post recognition Russia immediately signed the friendship and mutual aid agreements. Russia has ordered deployment of peacekeeping troops in DPR and LPR functions for maintain peacekeeping functions.
US President Biden has issued an executive order for economic sanctions following Russian act of recognising break away territory. Executive Order restricts any economic activity involving new investment, trade, and financing by person of US origin in the DNR and LNR regions.
US has said that it will take further steps in relation to violation of international law by Russia and US reaction would be based on actions that Russia takes. West has accused Russia for not fulfilling its own international commitments. US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said that recognition of DNR and LNR regions is attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
US Government Executive Order will prohibit investment in DNR or LNR regions of Ukraine by a United States person and will restrict import of goods, services, or technology from the DNR or LNR regions into the United States. Prohibition will also apply to any financing or facilitation or placing of guarantee by a United States origin person in relation to the breakaway region of Ukraine. E.O. is not meant for the Ukrainian Government and its people but the purpose of economic restrictions is to deny any chance to Russia to make profit by violation of International Laws.
However, Department of the Treasury is issuing six General purpose Licenses for ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian activities in the region, which includes measures to support the innocent people living in the region, export of food, medicine and medical devices into the region and for allowing the continuity of telecommunications and internet services in the region.
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN whilst addressing emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on issue of Ukraine has said that escalation of tension is a matter of deep concern as it has the potential to undermine peace and security of the region. India has emphasised that Minsk Agreements provides a basis for a negotiated and peaceful settlement and parties must find common ground for implementation of the Minsk Agreement for achieving peace.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also announced imposition of economic sanctions on Russia.
In a major development, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has halted the certification and approval process of Nord Stream 2. Earlier Joe Biden had made Washington stand clear on Nord Stream 2 and has threatened to block it, if Russia invades Ukraine. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has also appealed for respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Bureau Galactik Views