Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to conduct “peacekeeping operations” in two breakaway eastern Ukrainian regions.
Putin ordered the military move on Monday in a signed decree recognizing the independence of two separatist-held regions in eastern Ukraine, known as the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic.
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RUSSIA TO RECOGNIZE TWO SEPARATIST-HELD REGIONS IN EASTERN UKRAINE
Western leaders swiftly denounced Putin’s recognition Monday afternoon, with several vowing to place additional sanctions.
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White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday afternoon that President Joe Biden will be issuing an executive order blocking any U.S.-based investments in the two breakaway regions.
“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,” Psaki said in a statement.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemned Russia’s decision in a statement, writing that “allies urge Russia, in the strongest possible terms, to choose the path of diplomacy, and to immediately reverse its massive military build-up.”
