Russia’s parliament has approved a decision by President Vladimir Putin to formally recognize the separatist republics of eastern Ukraine.
Mr Putin yesterday recognized the breakaway regions of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” and the “Luhansk People’s Republic” in eastern Ukraine as independent states.
The United Nations, the United States, Britain, France, Germany and other allies have condemned Russia’s move.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called Russia’s decision a violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and a violation of the UN Charter.
Hours after the decision was announced, US President Joe Biden announced sanctions in those areas. Secretary of State Anthony Blanken has condemned the move and called for a strong response.
Britain has announced sanctions against five Russian banks and three billionaires following Russia’s decision.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson has said that this is the first time Russia has invaded Ukraine.
NATO has called an emergency meeting following Putin’s decision. NATO officials say the alliance’s leader, Jens Stoltenberg, will speak to the media after the meeting.
The European Union (EU) says it wants to impose sanctions on banks that control the separatist financing activities in Ukraine.
The sanctions would blacklist some people and cut off trade with those areas. The 27 members of the European Union must ratify the sanctions.
