24/7 NG Politics, Feb. 22, 2022
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| Russian President Vladimir Putin |
The looming battle between Russia and Ukraine took a new turn on Monday after an order from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier, the Russian President had signed a decree stating Moscow now recognizes the "independence" of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" (DPR) and the "Luhansk People's Republic" (LPR).
It is important to note that although the eastern Ukrainian provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk are claimed in whole by pro-Russia separatists, only parts of the provinces are under their control.
A report by DW says both provinces belong completely to Ukraine under international law.
Putin Orders Russian Troops Into Eastern Ukraine Separatist Region
On Tuesday, lots of news sources reported that Putin has ordered his Defense Ministry to send Russian troops into eastern Ukraine's two breakaway regions.
This was made known in a decree published early on Tuesday, after the Russian president had said Moscow would recognize their independence.
According to the reports, Putin's excuse for sending the troops was in order to "maintain peace" in eastern Ukraine.
The decree did not specify when any such deployment would take place.
The decree says the troops are to remain in the territory until both separatist states sign treaties about “friendship, co-operation, and mutual aid”.
While Putin insists this new move was for "peacekeeping," some believe it is an attack on Ukraine.
One of such is the US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Speaking at an emergency Security Council meeting Monday evening in New York, the US ambassador said that Russia's "attack" on Ukraine "is unprovoked and violates international law."
Thomas-Greenfield said Putin's claim that the troops were on a "peacekeeping" mission is "nonsense."
"He calls them peacekeepers. This is nonsense. We know what they really are," Thomas-Greenfield said.
"The consequences of Russia's actions will be dire, across Ukraine, Europe and the globe," she added.
Still, the US envoy insisted on a diplomatic path. "We continue to believe that the diplomatic table is the only place where responsible nations resolve their differences."
World Bodies React To Putin's New Order
The new move by Putin has sparked multiple reactions across the world.
One of such came from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg who also condemned Russia’s recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.
In a statement, the NATO boss wrote, “I condemn Russia’s decision to extend recognition to the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk People’s Republic' and 'Luhansk People’s Republic.' This further undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, erodes efforts towards a resolution of the conflict, and violates the Minsk Agreements, to which Russia is a party."
Stoltenberg further blamed Russia for “[continuing] to fuel the conflict in eastern Ukraine by providing financial and military support to the separatists," adding that Moscow “is also trying to stage a pretext to invade Ukraine once again.”
On their part, the UK through the British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also condemned the move.
Taking to Twitter, Truss wrote, “President Putin’s recognition of the ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and ‘Luhansk People’s Republics’ as independent states shows flagrant disregard for Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements. This step represents a further attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, signals and end to the Minsk process and is a violation of the UN Charter. It demonstrates Russia’s decision to choose a path of confrontation over dialogue.
We will coordinate our response with Allies. We will not allow Russia’s violation of its international commitments to go unpunished."
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| President Joe Biden |
Biden who "condemned" President Putin's decision to recognize the "independence" of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine during a call with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, is expected to issue an executive order prohibiting US investment, trade and financing with the breakaway regions, in a limited move stopping short of imposing sanctions directly on Russian entities.
"These measures are separate from and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures we have been preparing in coordination with allies and partners should Russia further invade Ukraine," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.
Furthermore, the White House said that Biden has spoken with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron on how they will continue to coordinate a response.
On her part, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel who also condemned Putin's decision, said it 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," a statement from the two leaders said.
"The union reiterates its unwavering support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders."
Airlines Suspend Flights To Ukraine
In a swift move, various airlines decided to suspend flights to Ukraine in a move to prevent an incident that happened in 2014 from repeating itself.
The first international airline to make this move is Dutch carrier KLM who suspended flights into Ukraine earlier this month.
This was followed by Air France and Lufthansa who also suspended flights into Ukraine on Monday, February 21.
According to the French carrier, it would cancel flights to and from the capital Kyiv on Tuesday as a "precautionary measure," citing the security situation.
"Air France will regularly reassess the situation and reminds that the safety and security of its flights, its customers and its crews, is an absolute imperative," Air France said in a statement on Monday.
On their part, Germany's Lufthansa said that it would suspend flights to and from Kyiv and Odessa, a southern port city, until the end of February.
Swiss International Air Lines, Eurowings and Austrian Airlines, have also suspended flights until the end of February.
"The safety of our passengers and crew members is our top priority at all times. Due to the current situation in Ukraine, Lufthansa Group airlines are suspending their regular flights to Kyiv and Odessa," Lufthansa Group said in a statement.
Ukraine Not Afraid
On their part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was reported to have delivered an address on Tuesday after urgent consultations with world leaders.
The president said he demanded "clear support" from the West. while adding that Ukraine is "not afraid of anything or anyone."
He said that Ukraine's borders will remain as they are and that Russia's actions are "a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian leader accused Russia of legalizing the presence of its own troops, which he said have been in the Donbas since 2014.
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine supports a political and diplomatic settlement.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said he would head to Washington to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after they spoke about the developments.
"I underscored the need to impose tough sanctions on Russia in response to its illegal actions," he added.
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