
Top European Union (EU) officials have made the announcement following Moscow’s announcement of recognition of two regions controlled by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
They have pledged to impose sanctions on Russia against those behind the move, raising fears of escalating tensions and appetites for the invasion of Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel said in a joint statement that “recognition of the two pro-Russian separatist regions is a violation of international law.
On the other hand, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borrell, has warned that sanctions will be imposed on Russia if Moscow attacks Ukraine or recognizes the independence of these regions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Moscow has officially recognized as independent states two regions in the Donbas in eastern Ukraine.
In a televised address, Putin signed a resolution recognizing Donetsk and Lugansk, two regions occupied by pro-Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
This recognition by Putin is a pretext for invading Ukraine, although so far, no movement or withdrawal of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border has been seen.
Also, this action of the Kremlin may lead to new sanctions for Russia, at a time when efforts to find a political solution have increased to the best of their ability, which Putin is constantly neglecting.
The Geopost