World reaction to Putin’s move to recognise Ukraine rebel regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognise the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine has drawn condemnation, with the NATO chief calling it a violation of international agreements.

The United States announced financial sanctions against the rebel territories freshly recognised by Moscow and warned that more were ready if necessary.

Late on Monday, the Russian president ordered troops to “maintain peace” in the breakaway regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.

Putin’s moves come amid months of tension over Russia’s military deployment on the borders of Ukraine, which has prompted warnings from the United States and several European nations.

Here is how world leaders reacted to the announcement:

US President Joe Biden

Biden “strongly condemned Russian President Putin’s decision to purportedly recognize the ‘independence’” of the eastern regions of Ukraine, the White House said.

The US president also told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy “that the United States would respond swiftly and decisively, in lock-step with its Allies and partners, to further Russian aggression against Ukraine”.

German Foreign Minister Christian Lindner

By breaking international law, #Putin is isolating himself to the detriment of the Russian people. It will result in #NATO and #EU getting closer as communities of values. United in solidarity with #Ukraine and trust in the law.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

We strongly condemn President Putin’s decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent”. As we said when the Duma first made its request: this decision represents a complete rejection of Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements, directly contradicts Russia’s claimed commitment to diplomacy, and is a clear attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

States have an obligation not to recognise a new “state” created through the threat or use of force, as well as an obligation not to disrupt another state’s borders. Russia’s decision is yet another example of President Putin’s flagrant disrespect for international law and norms.

Our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as for the government and people of Ukraine is unwavering. We stand with our Ukrainian partners in strongly condemning President Putin’s announcement.

Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

The Secretary-General considers the decision of the Russian Federation to be a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

The United Nations, in line with the relevant General Assembly resolutions, remains fully supportive of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders.

China blames ‘complex factors’

Beijing – one of Russia’s closest allies – did not take sides, instead calling for all parties to “avoid any action that may fuel tensions”.

“The current situation in Ukraine is a result of many complex factors,” China’s UN ambassador Zhang Jun told the UN security council.

French President Emmanuel Macron

By recognising the separatist regions in eastern Ukraine, Russia is violating its commitments and undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. I condemn this decision. I have asked for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and European sanctions.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg

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.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki

We have anticipated a move like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately. President Biden will soon issue an Executive Order (EO) that will prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by US persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine. This EO will also provide authority to impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine. The Departments of State and Treasury will have additional details shortly … To be clear: 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.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

It’s a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of the Ukraine… a repudiation of the Minsk process and the Minsk agreements.

The UK will continue to do everything we can to stand by the people of Ukraine with a very robust package of sanctions.

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss

The move signals an end to the Minsk process and is a violation of the United Nations Charter.

We will not allow Russia’s violation of its international commitments to go unpunished.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

The recognition of the two separatist territories in Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law, the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the Minsk agreements.

The EU and its partners will react with unity, firmness and with determination in solidarity with Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki

The decision to recognise the self-proclaimed “republics” is a final rejection of dialogue and a flagrant violation of international law. This is an act of aggression against Ukraine, which must be met with an unequivocal response in the form of immediate sanctions.

Turkish Foreign Ministry

In light of the latest developments, we strongly urge our citizens to leave the Eastern regions of Ukraine. We recommend our citizens to contact our Embassy in Kyiv when necessary.

Japan warns of ‘strong response’

Japan’s prime minister Fumio Kishida said that Russia’s actions violated “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and cannot be tolerated.”

“If an invasion occurs, we will coordinate a strong response, including sanctions, coordinating with the G7 and the international community while closely monitoring the situation,” he said.

India calls for ‘restraint’

India’s ambassador to the United Nations urged all sides to show “restraint” in the face of rising tensions.

“The immediate priority is de-escalation of tensions, taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long-term peace and stability in the region and beyond,” T.S. Tirumurti said.

Australia slams Putin’s ‘nonsense’

Australian prime minister Scott Morrison slammed as “nonsense” Putin’s claims that the troops being sent into eastern Ukraine were peacekeepers.

“We cannot have threats of violence being used to seek to advantage nation’s positions over others,” he said.

“That is not a peaceful world order that would be achieving that. And so it’s important that like-minded countries who denounce this sort of behaviour do stick together.”