U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday criticized a move by Russian lawmakers toward recognizing two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent, saying it would be illegal and draw a swift response.
Russia’s lower house of parliament voted on Tuesday to ask President Vladimir Putin to recognize the self-declared Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, and the European Union told Moscow not to follow through.
“Enactment of this resolution would further undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a gross violation of international law, call into further question Russia’s stated commitment to continue to engage in diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution of this crisis,” Blinken said.
Blinken also said the move would “necessitate a swift and firm response from the United States in full coordination with our Allies and partners”.
The move by Russia’s State Duma, if approved, could inflame a wider standoff over a Russian military build-up near Ukraine that has fueled Western fears that Moscow could attack. Russia denies any invasion plans and has accused the West of hysteria.
It will not be a “Russian invasion of Ukraine” if Russia acknowledges the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, which then invite Russian forces in for peacekeeping missions.
See also:
–U.S. And NATO Officials Say They’ve Seen No Evidence That Russia Has Withdrawn Troops
–US Official: Russia Adds 7K More Troops Near Ukraine Border
–Russia Captures Secret U.S. Military Equipment—Report