Russia’s recognition of the independence of the separatist-controlled regions in Donbass violates Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The risk of large-scale conflict is real and must be prevented at all costs,” UN Under Secretary General Rosemary DiCarlo told an emergency meeting of the Security Council.
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said Putin’s televised speech in which he announced recognition of the independence of the “DPR” and “DPR” was aimed at “creating a pretext for war.” According to the American diplomat, Putin “ripped the Minsk agreements to shreds,” and Moscow’s current actions “are clearly a basis for trying to create a pretext for further invasion of Ukraine.”
Ukraine’s representative, Sergei Kyslytsya, said his country was ready for negotiations and demanded that Russia cancel the recognition decree and return to the negotiating table.
