He has declared that the recognition of the LDNR by Russia violates the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“The recent actions of the Russian Federation are the violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. Russia bears all responsibility for the consequences of its decision,” the President stressed.
The head of the state has assured that the Ukrainian authorities won’t hide the truth of what’s going on from the society, but now there is no reason for chaotic actions. “The internationally-recognized frontiers of Ukraine will remain the same regardless of Russia’s actions,” Zelenskyy said.
Besides, President Zelenskyy has stressed, Russia’s decision to recognize the independence of some areas of Donbas which are not controlled by Ukraine means in fact the unilateral withdrawal of Russia from the Minsk agreements and its disregard for decisions made by the sides of the Normandy Format. He stressed, “By its decision Moscow legalizes the existence of Russian troops in Donbas which have been present there since 2014.”
According to Zelenskyy, the official Kyiv has initiated an urgent summit meeting of the Normandy Four and has called for an immediate consultation within the framework of the Budapest Memorandum.
The Ukrainian leader has concluded, “We are on our own land and we fear nobody and nothing and we give nothing to anyone.”
The address to the Ukrainian nation followed a meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation chaired by President Putin of Russia. The meeting which took place on February 21 considered the question involving the situation in Donbas. The meeting was prompted by an appeal of the leaders of the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic (the LDNR) to recognize the independence of their republics.
In the evening of February 21, Putin officially announced the recognition by Russia of their independence. Later, together with the leaders of these pseudo-republics Putin signed treaties on friendship and mutual assistance. These treaties make it possible for Russian troops to enter openly the territory of Donbas. These documents are expected to be endorsed by the Russian Parliament.
After the official recognition of the LDNR by the Russian Federation, President Zelenskyy made a series of phone calls to discuss the situation with Western partners who had assured him that Russia would be given an adequate response. Thus, Zelenskyy spoke with President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, President Recep Erdogan of Turkey and the leaders of the European Union.
Many countries and international organizations have condemned the decision of the Kremlin as a gross violation of international law. The leadership of the European Union has announced that jointly with their partners they are preparing a concerted response. The government of Great Britain has announced a package of new sanctions. President Joe Biden has signed a decree on imposing sanctions on the LDNR.
President Macron has condemned the decision of President Vladimir Putin to recognize the self-proclaimed republics. The French President has supported the decision of the European Union to introduce new sanctions and has proposed to call an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Canada, Germany, Poland and Georgia have announced their support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
Foreign Minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock has said that the signing of the decree on the recognition of the LDNR by the Russian Federation undermines diplomatic efforts and violates the sovereignty of Ukraine.
The press service of the Federal Foreign Office quotes her as saying, “Today’s recognition by President Putin of the self-proclaimed people’s republics in eastern Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law and a serious blow to all diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful political solution to the conflict. The years-long efforts within the Normandy Format and the OSCE have virtually been nullified deliberately and without any good reason.”
A spokesman of the Canadian Foreign Office has noted that “the decision of Russia is a violation of the Minsk agreements, provisions of the United Nations and presents a threat to stability in the region.”
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has referred to the decree of Putin as “an act of aggression against Ukraine” and has called to convene without delay a summit of the European Union and impose sanctions.
President Salome Zurabishvili of Georgia has also condemned the decision of Moscow having called it the repetition of the scenario of the recognition of Abhazia and South Osetia in 2008. She wrote in her tweet, “Georgia sands by President Zelenskyy and supports the territorial integrity of and peace in Ukraine.”
Moldova, Denmark, Rumania, Austria, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have condemned the decision of Russia to recognize the independence of the LDNR.
According to Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov, the Kremlin did not recognize the self-proclaimed DNR/LNR. It has recognized its own aggression against Ukraine.
The minister said, “We remain confident and calm. We are ready and able to defend ourselves and our sovereignty. The world cannot remain silent.”
The newspaper Voice of Ukraine
