British Health Minister Sajid Javid said the Russian invasion of Ukraine “has begun” after President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of two separate regions in eastern Ukraine and ordered the deployment of troops. The information was published by Sky News.
“From the reports, I think we can already tell that [Putin] Send in tanks and troops, said Sajid Javid, and from that, you can conclude that the invasion of Ukraine has begun.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will announce economic sanctions against Russia later today, according to Reuters. at The sanctions will “target not only entities in Donbass, Luhansk and Donetsk, but Russia itself – targeting Russian economic interests as much as possible.”
- Find the latest information on the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, analyzes by Jozias de Sousa and Jamil Chad and more news about UOL News with Fabiola Cedral:
“I must stress that this is just the first wave of economic sanctions from the UK against Russia, because we expect more irrational Russian behaviour,” Boris Johnson told reporters.
Yesterday, separatist leaders from Luhansk and Donetsk sent a request to Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize the independence of the two regions and activate “defense cooperation”.
Russia stipulates in its decision to negotiate “agreements of friendship and mutual assistance.” The decision exacerbates the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. It also puts an end to the uneasy peace process brokered by France and Germany, which required the return of the territories to Kiev’s control in exchange for extensive autonomy.
The United States has not yet used the word “invasion” to describe Putin’s move to send troops into Ukraine. Officials warn that Russia is creating an “excuse” to invade its neighbour.
On social media, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said the act was “expected and shameful” and condemned Putin’s action.
Russia’s move to recognize the “independence” of the so-called republics controlled by its proxies is a predictable shame. We condemn them in the strongest possible terms and #Stand with UkraineAs I told the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tweet embed tonight.
Secretary Anthony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 22 2022
Russia violates the independence of Ukraine
In an interview with UOL News Yesterday, Philip Laureiro, professor of international relations at the University of São Paulo (USP), said Putin’s decision to recognize the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine “violates the territorial integrity” of the neighboring country.
“There was a fear that with the escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine and Russia and NATO, Putin could play the card that he did today. Why is this card so important? Because it clearly violates the territorial integrity of Ukraine, or that is, only Russia recognizes that these two provinces Two independent states.
“Moreover, Putin has signed cooperation and friendship agreements with these two provinces. Which means that there may be a possibility for Russia to enter these provinces effectively to protect Russian minorities from what the Russians call ‘genocide’.”
Loreiro added that the Russian president’s action was a “dangerous escalatory” and that the world now needed to be aware of what could happen in Eastern Europe.
