The Russian President, Vladimir Putin on Tuesday directed his Defense Ministry to send Russian troops into two self-proclaimed republics in Eastern Ukraine.
This followed Russia’s decree on Monday that it recognizes the “independence” of the breakaway regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, parts of which are controlled by pro-Russia separatists.
According to reports, Putin ordered the deployment of Russian forces to Eastern Ukraine to “maintain peace”.
World leaders are condemning the decision by Putin and are calling for sanctions against Russia.
French President, Emmanuel Macron; German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and US President, Joe Biden stated that Putin’s move is a clear breach of the Minsk Peace Agreements, adding that “this step will not go unanswered”.
According to reports, Germany has halted the construction of Nord Stream 2, the 750-mile gas pipeline connecting Russia and Germany.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said, it was “a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel said that Russia’s move is a “blatant violation of international law as well as of the Minsk agreements. The union will react with sanctions against those involved in this illegal act.
“The union reiterates its unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
Analysts suggest that Russia is encouraging the conflict in Eastern Ukraine by providing military and financial support to the separatists and it’s also a pretext to invade Ukraine.
