New Delhi: Efforts to prevent an invasion of Ukraine were dealt a blow when Russia recognised independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine. The US announced financial sanctions against the rebel territories and will impose new sanctions on Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed mutual aid and friendship agreements with rebel leaders in the Kremlin today. “I believe it is necessary to take a long-overdue decision, to immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic,” he said.
The West had repeatedly warned Russia against recognising Ukraine’s rebels. But Russia’s latest decrees effectively bury a fragile peace agreement regulating the conflict.
