European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin not to recognize the self-proclaimed republic of eastern Ukraine by Moscow-backed militant gangs.
“We call on Putin to respect international law and the Minsk agreement and expect him not to recognize the independence of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions,” Borrell told a news conference in Brussels.
“If there is an annexation, there will be sanctions,” Borrell said, adding that he would propose sanctions and ministers would decide on them.
Borrell stressed that if Russia recognizes the “independence” of the occupied territories of Ukraine, the EU’s response will be strong and united.
Russia’s State Duma reportedly passed a resolution last week calling on Putin to recognize the “independence” of the occupied territories of Ukraine, and the issue was discussed today at a Security Council meeting.
–
