NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the recognition of Russian President Vladimir Putin of Ukrainian separatists on Monday.
“I condemn Russia decision to extend recognition to the self-proclaimed ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and ‘Lugansk People’s Republic’,” Stoltenberg said. in A declaration.
“This further undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, undermines efforts towards a resolution of the conflict and violates the Minsk agreements, to which Russia is a party party,” he added.
“Moscow continues to fuel the conflict in eastern Ukraine by providing financial and military support to separatists. He is also trying to stage a pretext to invade Ukraine once again.”
He urged Russia “to choose the path of diplomacy” and withdraw son more more than 150,000 troops deployed on Ukraine’s borders for than many westerns countries expect to be imminent attack.
Ukraine is not a NATO member country and Stoltenberg said NATO forces would not be sent in to defend it from Russia.
But the allies, especially the United States, have sent weapons and other supplies to Ukraine, and have sent forces to neighboring countries countries who belong to of NATO.
United States also announced punishments against rebel territories recognized by Russia in eastern Ukraine and warned that more were ready if needed.
President Joe Biden will issue a decree to “prohibit new investment, trade and financing by US persons to, from or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.
The order “will confer the power to impose sanctions on anyone determined to operate in these areas of Ukraine,” Psaki said, adding that the measures are separate from broader Western sanctions out of the box.”should Russia is further invading Ukraine.”
