Russian recognition of separatist territories is a “violation” of Ukraine’s sovereignty, UN warns

The general secretary of the UNAntonio Guterres, affirmed on Monday that the decision of Russia to recognize the independence of the Ukrainian breakaway territories is “a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine”.

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It is “incompatible with the principles of the United Nations Charter,” the UN chief added in a statement.

• Putin recognizes the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk, rebel regions of Ukraine, and fears of an invasion grow
• Donetsk and Lugansk, the breakaway republics of Ukraine that Russia recognized as independent
• After Putin’s decision, the United States will announce sanctions against Lugansk and Donetsk separatists

Earlier, Guterres’ spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, issued a brief statement saying the UN chief “will return to New York on Tuesday,” shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced he would recognize breakaway regions as independent. pro-Russian eastern Ukraine.

“Given the deteriorating situation regarding Ukraine, the secretary-general cancels his mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo” scheduled for Monday, Dujarric added.

After participating last weekend in Munich in an annual meeting on international security, Antonio Guterres was in his country of origin, Portugal, on Monday when he decided an hour before leaving for the Congo to cancel his trip and return to New York .

Putin’s decision puts an end to the unstable peace process mediated by France and Germany, which provided for the return of the territories to the control of Kiev in exchange for extensive autonomy.

Shortly before the Russian leader’s announcement, the UN had urged “all stakeholders to refrain from any unilateral decision or action that could undermine the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

“We underline our call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, for the maximum restraint of all parties to avoid any action and statement that further aggravates tensions,” Dujarric also said, stressing that all disputes must “be treated with diplomacy.” ”.

Dujarric also indicated that the UN had “authorized the temporary relocation of certain non-essential staff members and certain family members” of UN staff deployed to Ukraine.

According to the spokesman, the UN currently has 1,510 employees in Ukraine, including 149 foreign citizens and 1,361 Ukrainian citizens.

• Putin says Russia will take steps to ensure its security from NATO actions
• Biden gathers his security team before the escalation of tension in Ukraine
• Will Putin and Biden be able to reach a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis?
• NATO condemns Putin’s decision to recognize the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk
• European Union announces sanctions against Russia for recognition of Donbas

Source: Elcomercio

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