Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Donetsk and Luhansk, two territories in Ukraine, which he recognized as independent territories.
The United States, United Nations, Security Council members condemned Putin’s actions as Europe braced for war.
The Russian president claimed that “Ukraine is not just a neighboring country, they are a part of our culture.”
President Biden signed reacted to Putin’s moves by imposing economic sanctions. Biden said in a statement that President Putin’s action contradicts Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements, refutes Russia’s claimed commitment to diplomacy, and undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Monday’s White House order is distinct from the “swift and severe economic measures we are prepared to issue with Allies and partners in response to a further Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Biden said.
“We are continuing to closely consult with Ukraine and with Allies and partners on next steps and urge Russia to immediately deescalate.”
At the United Nations, the UN chief Antonio Guterres called for “the peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in accordance with the Minsk Agreements, as endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2202 (2015)”.
Moreover, Guterres said the UN considers Russia’s decision to be “a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations”.
