Foreign Ministry calls on the world to respond with painful sanctions against Russia because of ORDLO recognition
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemns Russia's decision to recognize the "independence" of the so-called "LPR" and "DPR" and insists that the world responds with sanctions now.
The agency states this in a statement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine points out that by such actions the Russian side "blatantly defied" the foundations of international law, the UN Charter, violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.
They point out that the decision of the so-called "LDPR" will not have any legal consequences. At the same time, this decision accelerates the escalation of the situation and may mean Russia's withdrawal from the Minsk agreements.
"The Ukrainian side understands Russia's intentions and its objective to provoke Ukraine. We are taking into account all the risks and not giving in to the provocations as we remain committed to politico-diplomatic settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict," the statement said.
They point out that on behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian diplomacy is currently using its entire diplomatic arsenal to prevent the outbreak of armed conflict.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is in constant contact with his colleagues to coordinate diplomatic efforts and take measures to hold meetings of international bodies, summits, attract defense aid and apply harsh sanctions against Russia.
The agency emphasizes that Russia's further decisions and steps largely depend on the world's reaction to today's events.
"We, therefore, insist on application against Russia of harsh sanctions to send a clear signal of inadmissibility of further escalation. The time has come to act in order to stop Russian aggression and restore peace and stability in Europe," the statement added.
Recognition of the so-called "LDPR"
On the evening of February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the self-proclaimed "LPR" and "DPR." Prior to that, he was called to do so by the State Duma of the Russian Federation, as well as militants in the occupied territories of Donbas.
Leaders of the so-called "DPR" and "LPR" Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasichnyk also arrived in Moscow to sign Putin's decree. Putin reiterated that Ukraine allegedly did not want to implement the Minsk agreements and was not interested in a peaceful solution to the conflict.
He also believes that Russia allegedly "did everything to preserve the territorial integrity of Ukraine, all these years persistently fighting for the implementation of the Minsk agreements."
