EU leaders condemn Putin’s decision to recognise Donetsk and Luhansk as independent territories

In a televised statement this evening, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he will recognise Donetsk and Luhansk as independent territories of Russia. The announcement further violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and is contrary to the Minsk agreements. 

The President of the European Council and Commission issued an immediate statement condemning the decision: 

"President von der Leyen and President Michel condemn in the strongest possible terms the decision by the Russian President to proceed with the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine as independent entities.

This step is a blatant violation of international law as well as of the Minsk agreements.

The Union will react with sanctions against those involved in this illegal act.

The Union reiterates its unwavering support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders."

Following the Foreign Affairs Council earlier in the evening the EU’s High Representative Josep Borrell made it clear that sanctions would be applied if Putin took this course of action: “We call upon President Putin to respect international law and the main agreements and expect him not to recognize the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts. 

We are ready to react with a strong united front in case he should decide to do so. We expect that he will not, but if he does, we will react with the strong and united front.”

Borrell added that if Russia were to attack from Belarusian territory sanctions would also apply to it. 

EU ambassadors will meet tomorrow morning in Brussels.

Share this article: