Ukraine crisis escalates as Putin orders troops into Eastern Europe

Biznextindia : Amid unprecedented escalation of the Ukraine crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered so called ‘peace-keeping’ forces into the troubled Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine.

Earlier, the Russian government had announced recognition of Donetsk and Lugansk regions as independent nations.

“I deem it necessary to make a decision that should have been made long ago – to immediately recognize the sovereignty and independence of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic,” Russian government controlled news website Sputnik has reported quoting Putin.

An urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council is set to convene after Russia recognised two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine and hours later said it would deploy troops there to “maintain peace”.

Meanwhile, in response to the Russian decision, US President Joe Biden has signed an Executive Order imposing costs for President Putin’s action to recognize so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.

“President Biden signed an Executive Order (E.O.) to respond to President Putin’s action to purportedly recognize the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics (DNR and LNR) as “independent” states. President Putin’s action contradicts Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements, refutes Russia’s claimed commitment to diplomacy, and undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” said a White House statement.

“This E.O. is distinct from the swift and severe economic measures we are prepared to issue with Allies and partners in response to a further Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are continuing to closely consult with Ukraine and with Allies and partners on next steps and urge Russia to immediately deescalate” the statement said further.

The Executive Order prohibits new investment in the so-called DNR or LNR regions of Ukraine by a United States person, wherever located. It also prohibits the importation into the United States, directly or indirectly, of any goods, services, or technology from the so-called DNR or LNR regions of Ukraine. The order also prohibits, the exportation, reexportation, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States, or by a United States person, wherever located, of any goods, services, or technology to the so-called DNR or LNR regions of Ukraine.

“And any approval, financing, facilitation, or guarantee by a United States person, wherever located, of a transaction by a foreign person where the transaction by that foreign person would be covered by these prohibitions if performed by a United States person or within the United States” the order said.