Western leaders are decrying Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize two breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine as independent, arguing the move is a breach of international law.
Putin on Monday announced that he would be signing decrees recognizing the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent people’s republics, calling the decision “necessary” in a speech from Moscow.
“I would request the federal assembly to back this decision and ratify the agreement of friendship and mutual help with both republics,” he added in his remarks, which were translated to English.
Western leaders are now sounding the alarm, calling Putin’s latest move a violation of international law.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said Putin’s decision is “a blatant violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the #Minsk agreements,” referring to the agreement that was meant to tame hostilities in the Donbas region.
“The EU and its partners will react with unity, firmness and with determination in solidarity with Ukraine,” von der Leyen added in a tweet.
The European Union said it would levy sanctions on individuals who were involved with Russia recognizing the two territories as independent, according to The Associated Press.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sounded a similar note in remarks on Monday, calling Putin’s announcement a “breach of international law” and a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine.”
He also called Putin’s decision “a repudiation of the Minsk process” and agreements, calling the move “a very ill omen and a very dark sign.”
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Western leaders decry Putin move as breach of international law https://t.co/Q2ZadYcqsA pic.twitter.com/HIjwScHWCW
— The Hill (@thehill) February 21, 2022
What to watch for now:
Putin claims his speech triggered Kyiv to act against LPR/DPR, and that now he has no choice but to act.
Biden needs to call off that summit.— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) February 21, 2022
This is a direct attack on the entire post-Cold War European order. https://t.co/lxqAaOLI6R
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) February 21, 2022
A heck of a thing to say with more than 150,000 Russian troops arrayed at the Ukrainian border. https://t.co/vQ2QfPlFat
— Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) February 21, 2022
This sums it up https://t.co/dlhmIYJtmq
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) February 21, 2022
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