-
.
- Ελληνικά
Against a backdrop of inflammation and a Cold War climate, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was quick to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin's statements in his address recognizing the independence of the Ukrainian provinces of Donetsk and Lugansk.
In a statement, NATO called the announcement undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and sovereignty, eroding efforts to find a solution and violating the Minsk agreements, to which the Russian side is a signatory.
In 2015, Stoltenberg said, the United Nations, of which Russia is a member, reaffirmed its assessment of Ukraine's independence.
In 2015, Stoltenberg said, the United Nations, of which Russia is a member, reaffirmed its assessment of Ukraine's independence. "Donetsk and Lugansk are part of Ukraine," Stoltenberg said."
"Moscow continues to fuel conflict in eastern Ukraine by providing economic and military aid to separatists. It is still trying to find a pretext to invade Ukraine again," he continued.
"We support Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty on the basis of the rules set out in international law. Allies call on Russia to choose the path of diplomacy and withdraw its powerful military forces from Ukraine in accordance with international commitments," Stoltenberg concluded.
The EU and its partners will react with unity, stability and determination in solidarity says European Council President Charles Michel.
"The recognition of independence of two Ukrainian provinces is a violation of international law, Ukraine's sovereignty and the Minsk agreements. The EU and its members will react united, decisively and in solidarity with Ukraine," wrote Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in a comment following Putin's speech.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov earlier told Russia's National Security Council that his meeting with his US counterpart Anthony Blinken is scheduled for February 24 in Geneva.
"With your approval, this meeting is scheduled for this week on February 24 in Geneva," Lavrov told Russia's National Security Council, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Major international media outlets commenting on Putin's remarks are calling it an aggressive move, with the BBC in particular writing of an open threat and the US-based CNN referring to a message with a strong element of complaint with a whiff of the past. The New York Times, commenting on the diatribe, described Putin's speech as angry, in which he "stepped on history."
Source: Proto Thema
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
