Putin recognizes the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk and orders the entry of the Russian army

Vladimir Putin recognized this Monday the independence of Donetsk and Luhanskthe breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine, self-proclaimed people’s republics in 2014 with the support of Moscow, despite warnings from Western powers.

The Russian president also has ordered the Russian Armed Forces to enter in these regions. The decree signed on Monday by Putin for his recognition provides for the deployment of Russian soldiers within the framework of a “peacekeeping mission”.

In a speech addressed to the nation, the Russian president announced the decision to “immediately recognize the independence” of both regions and asked the Russian Federal Assembly to “ratify the agreements of friendship and collaboration with both republics“. “They will be prepared and signed soon,” he added.

In addition, Putin has charged against Kiev, stating that the Ukrainian authorities “do not recognize any other way out in Donbas than the military one” and demanding that the Ukrainian government “stop the aggression” in the region. “Otherwise, all responsibility will fall on the Kiev authorities,” he added.

Previously, Putin had communicated to his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macronand the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholzits intention to recognize the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, according to the Kremlin in a statement. “The president said that in the near future he intends to sign the respective decree,” the official note said.

The leaders of the self-proclaimed people’s republics of Donetsk (RPD) and Lugansk (RPL) had openly asked Russia to recognize their independence and on the 15th, the Duma – the lower house of the Russian Parliament – asked Putin to recognize both pro-Russian entities. Putin discussed recognition of him with the Russian Security Council, which supported the decision almost unanimously.

The reaction of the EU and the US

The United States, NATO and the European Union had warned that this would be a red line in the current escalation of tensions. A) Yes, Brussels has already announced “sanctions” against those “involved” in this decision, which he calls “illegal”.

The President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, have issued a joint statement shortly after Putin’s televised announcement. “The Union will react with sanctions against those involved in this illegal act“, European leaders have indicated, in a note in which they reiterate their “unwavering” support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Previously, they had rejected in unison in two identical tweets this “flagrant violation of international lawof the territorial integrity of Ukraine and of the Minsk agreements” perpetrated by Putin, which they condemned in the “strongest terms”. The EU and its partners will react “with unity, firmness and determination of solidarity” with Ukraine, they underlined. message that the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, and the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, replied shortly after.

Secretary of State for USAAntony Blinken, in turn, has pointed out that the Kremlin’s recognition of the independence of the pro-Russian regions “requires a quick and firm response”. “We will take the appropriate steps in coordination with our partners,” she added.

also the president Pedro Sánchez has condemned “the unilateral recognition by Russia from the separatist territories of eastern Ukraine.” “It is a violation of the Minsk agreements and international legality,” the Spanish president stated on Twitter, where he anticipated a coordinated response with Spain’s partners.

For its part, Ukraine It continues to consider the Donetsk and Lugansk regions as part of its territory, according to the secretary of the Defense and National Security Council, Oleksii Danilov, who has indicated that Kiev will continue to fulfill “its obligations” to “all the inhabitants” of Donbas.