[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] As Russia recognized the independence of pro-Russian separatist organizations in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have jointly expressed strong opposition. They stated that this move violates international law as well as the Minsk agreements signed in 2015, to which Russia is also a party, and vowed to respond with strong sanctions. There are concerns that military tensions surrounding Ukraine will further escalate.
On the 21st (local time), Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, tweeted, "The recognition of two separatist territories within Ukraine blatantly violates international law, Ukraine's territorial integrity, and the Minsk agreements," emphasizing, "The EU and its partners will respond in solidarity with Ukraine with unity, determination, and resolve."
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, also issued a joint statement with President von der Leyen, saying, "We strongly condemn this decision," and reiterated, "This action is a blatant violation of international law and the Minsk agreements." He added, "The EU will respond with sanctions against those involved in this illegal act," and reaffirmed, "The EU remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders." The Minsk agreements refer to the peace accords signed in February 2015 between pro-Russian separatist forces in the Donbas region, Ukraine, and Russia, following Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.
Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, also strongly criticized President Putin's recognition of the pro-Russian separatist organizations as a violation of international agreements. Stoltenberg stated, "We condemn Russia's decision. It further undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, damages efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and violates the Minsk agreements, to which Russia is a party."
Earlier, President Putin recognized the independence of the pro-Russian separatist entities, the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, in the Donbas region, and signed treaties of friendship, cooperation, and assistance with both sides and Russia. This decision opens the door for openly deploying troops to these organizations, which are currently confronting the Ukrainian government forces, enabling military intervention.
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