Russia said that the troops would engage in “peacekeeping” in the region, U.S. has warned that Russia is creating a pretext for war
The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two rebel-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in Eastern Ukraine, after recognizing them as independent States.
While the Russia said that the troops would engage in “peacekeeping” in the region, the United States (U.S.) has warned that Russia is creating a pretext for war. The two regions are home to Russian-backed rebels who have been fighting Ukrainian forces since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
In recent years, Russian passports have been given out to large numbers of people in Donetsk and Luhansk. The West fears Russia will now move military units in under the guise of protecting its citizens. The Russian-backed separatists had already evacuated people from the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which are mostly Russian citizens.
In a late-night televised address to the nation, Zelensky said, “We are not afraid and will not give anything away to anyone.”
He further said, “It is very important to see now who our real friend and partner is, and who will continue to scare the Russian Federation with words only.”
The President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of wilfully violating its sovereignty. He has already held meetings with the President of the U.S. – Joe Biden, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) – Boris Johnson and with the National Security and Defense Council. He has also consulted the President of France – Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor of Germany – Olaf Scholz. He is also set to hold discussions with the President of the European Council – Charles Michel and the President of Turkey – Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Taking it to twitter, Zelensky tweeted,
After the #NSDC meeting, discussed the current situation with @BorisJohnson. Now we are urgently preparing an address and after that, talks with @eucopresident and @RTErdogan are planned.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 21, 2022
At an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), the U.S. Ambassador – Linda Thomas-Greenfield dismissed Russia’s claims that troops would be taking on a peacekeeping role by saying, “We know what they really are.” Meanwhile, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador – Vasily Nebenzya argued for the need to defend the rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region from what he called Ukrainian aggression.
Besides, Biden has signed an executive order that prohibits new investment, trade and financing by Americans in the breakaway regions. The White House said the measures were separate to wider Western sanctions which are ready to go if Russia invades Ukraine.
Biden tweeted, “I have signed an Executive Order to deny Russia the chance to profit from its blatant violations of international law. We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps.”
The President of European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen tweeted,
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.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 21, 2022
The EU and its partners will react with unity, firmness and with determination in solidarity with Ukraine.
Johnson is chairing a Cobra Emergency Response Meeting to discuss sanctions and the latest intelligence with aides including the Chief of Staff as well as cabinet secretaries.
The Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) – Jens Stoltenberg tweeted,
I condemn #Russia recognition of Donetsk/Luhansk in #Ukraine. It erodes efforts to resolve the conflict & violates Minsk agreements. #NATO supports Ukraine sovereignty & territorial integrity. We urge Moscow to stop fuelling conflict & choose diplomacy. https://t.co/H4yczPG8XM
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) February 21, 2022
