The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, assessed that the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to declare the independence of two separatist “republics” in Donbass is a “violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty” of Ukraine. This came in a statement after the meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
on Monday Russian President Vladimir Putin He informed him that he recognized the independence of the so-called separatists declared by the separatists People’s Republics – Donetsk and Luhansk. During the televised speech, the Russian president signed the relevant decrees. In addition, Putin and separatist leaders signed in Donbas Agreements of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. He also ordered his Defense Ministry in decrees to send Russian troops to “perform peacekeeping missions” in two “republics” in the Donetsk and Luhansk states.
Ukraine President: There is no reason to have a sleepless night today
Later in the day, a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (SBNiO) was held, devoted to the situation in the country and its borders, as well as Monday’s events in Russia.
After that, President Volodymyr Zelensky presented Kiev’s official position on Putin’s decision in a statement. At first he thanked his countrymen. – You are proof that the Ukrainians are a wise nation, and a reasonable nation. He said: You look calmly, in a balanced way, like adults.
– We have been prepared for all this for a long time. But, he added, there’s no reason to have a sleepless night tonight.
Zelensky: a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine
“Ukraine unequivocally treats the actions of the Russian Federation as a violation of our state sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. As for the recognition of the independence of the occupied Donbass territories, (this) may mean a unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreements, continued.
– It is possible that Russia will decide, as part of the next steps, to legalize its forces. Ukraine’s president said the troops had already been staying in Donbass illegally since 2014.
He also reported that Kiev is, inter alia, requesting a meeting UN Security CouncilMeeting Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Normandy summit, which includes France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia. “It is very important for us to see who is really a friend and partner,” he said.
He also stressed that Ukraine would not “succumb to any provocations.” – He said that our borders are secured, an adequate defense system has been established, and our partners are supporting us.
He also said that “there are currently no grounds for chaotic actions.” “We will do anything to keep it that way,” he said. – We adhere to the diplomatic and peaceful path and we want to follow this path – he said.
– We’re on our land. We are not afraid of anyone or anything. We don’t owe anything to anyone. We are not afraid, we are confident. We remember what it was like, but today we are not February 2014, but 2022. This is a different country, a different army. There will be peace in Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine – Zelensky summed up.
Main image source: Reuters
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