Romania, alongside the international community, condemns Vladimir Putin’s separatist recognition

DEVELOPPING: The Ukrainian security situation has entered a new stage, after on Monday evening, EET, the Russian President, Vladimir Putin signed the decrees recognizing the independence of the so-called separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk

România Internațional, 21.02.2022, 23:53

The Ukrainian security
situation has entered a new stage, after on Monday evening, EET, the Russian
President, Vladimir Putin, signed the decrees recognizing the independence of
the so-called separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk.

The international community
was quick to react.

The President of Romania,
Klaus Iohannis wrote on his Facebook page: Romania firmly
condemns the recognition by the Russian Federation of the ‘independence’ of the
self-declared separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, which are part of
Ukraine. This act is a blatant violation of international law, of Ukraine’s sovereignty
and territorial integrity. Russia is breaching its obligations as a signatory
to the Minsk Agreements and is threatening, through its actions, global peace and security. Romania reiterates
its firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and will take
action in coordination with its partners and allies to implement the appropriate
response measures. The international community must firmly, immediately and
unequivocally sanction this responsibility-lacking decision made by Russia!

In his turn Romania’s PM,
Nicolae Ciuca has condemned Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize the independence
of the separatist ‘republics’ in eastern Ukraine: We firmly condemn any
attempt to call into question Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and
independence. To question the statehood of a UN member state is tantamount to a
revisionist approach that threatens peace and stability in Europe and around
the world.

The President of the European
Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also wrote in a message on
Twitter: The recognition of the two separatist territories in
#Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law, the territorial integrity
of Ukraine and the #Minsk agreements. The EU and its partners will react with
unity, firmness and with determination in solidarity with Ukraine.

The White House Press
Secretary Jen Psaki, has also made a statement on the Russian Announcement on
Eastern Ukraine, posted on the White House website: We have anticipated a move
like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately. President Biden
will soon issue an Executive Order that will prohibit new investment, trade,
and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions
of Ukraine. This E.O. will also provide authority to impose sanctions on any
person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine. The Departments of
State and Treasury will have additional details shortly. We will also soon
announce additional measures related to today’s blatant violation of Russia’s
international commitments.

To be clear: these measures
are separate from and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures
we have been preparing in coordination with Allies and partners should Russia
further invade Ukraine.

We are continuing to closely
consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps and on
Russia’s ongoing escalation along the border with Ukraine.

The French President, Emmanuel
Macron posted on Twitter: By recognizing the separatist regions
in eastern Ukraine, Russia is violating its commitments and undermining Ukraine’s
sovereignty. I condemn this decision. I have asked for an emergency meeting of
the UN Security Council and European sanctions.

The UK Foreign Secretary Liz
Truss wrote on Twitter: Tomorrow we will be announcing new
sanctions on Russia in response to their breach of international law and attack
on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In his turn, German foreign
minister Christian Lindner said in his message on Twitter: By breaking
international law, Putin is isolating himself, to the detriment of the Russian people. It will result in NATO and the EU getting closer as communities of values.
United in solidarity with Ukraine and trust in the law.