Washington [US], February 22 (ANI): US President Joe Biden will soon impose sanctions on two Russia-backed separatist regions in Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would recognize their independence. This is a key development after Putin on Monday signed a decree recognizing the independence of breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk. Putin made this announcement during a televised address to Russians.
“We have anticipated a move like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately. President Biden will soon issue an Executive Order that will prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine,” US Press Secretary Jen Psaki on said after the address of Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. “This E.O. 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. We will also soon announce additional measures related to today’s blatant violation of Russia’s international commitments,” the statement added.
The Press Secretary also cleared that 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.” “We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps and on Russia’s ongoing escalation along the border with Ukraine,” as per the statement.
Biden dials Zelenskyy, reaffirms US commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty
US President Joe Biden on Monday spoke with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The conversation comes at a time when Putin on Monday signed a decree recognizing the independence of Ukraine’s breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk. Biden updated Zelenskyy on the United States’ response, including US’ plan to issue sanctions. In his phone call, Biden reiterated that the United States would respond swiftly and decisively, in lock-step with its Allies and partners, to further Russian aggression against Ukraine.
Biden also strongly condemned Russian President Putin’s decision to purportedly recognize the “independence” of the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine. After Putin’s announcement, the US said that it will soon impose sanctions on two Russia-backed separatist regions in Ukraine. The US strongly condemned Putin’s decision to recognize the “so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as “independent.”
President Biden will sign an Executive Order that will prohibit all new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the “so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” “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,” said the White House in a statement.
In another development, Putin has ordered the sending of Russian Armed Forces to Ukraine breakaway regions after recognizing their independence in his Monday address to the nation. (ANI)
