Russia orders troops to move in for peacekeeping missions
Russia orders troops to move in for peacekeeping missions in eastern Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin signed decrees for Russia-backed regions’ declaration of independence. Separatist-held eastern Ukraine is known to be backed by Moscow and could mark the beginning of the invasion.
The decrees that were signed recognize Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic (DPR and LPR). Both are independent states in the Donbas region of Ukraine. The decree also guarantees that Russian Troops will defend them.
Many US government officials stated that this could be the beginning of a huge military attack.
Vladimir Putin has made a speech on Monday regarding the Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic. He called the eastern part of Ukraine, “ancient Russian lands.”
“Russia has always tried to resolve all conflicts by peaceful means. Nevertheless, the Kyiv authorities conducted two punitive operations in these territories [Donetsk and Luhansk], and it seems that we are now witnessing an escalation for the third time,” Putin said.
Zelensky Remains Steadfast
President Zelensky of Ukraine does not recognize these declarations of independence. He added that Russia has violated Ukraine’s “national integrity and sovereignty” and their borders will “remain as such”. “We are on our land, we are not afraid of anything and anyone. We don’t owe anything to anyone, and we will not give away anything to anyone. And we are confident of this,” Zelensky said.
Ukraine has begun the meeting for the Normandy Four which includes Germany, Russia, and France.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken backed the Ukrainian government recognizing this move as an attack on sovereignty. US President Joe Biden signed an executive decree prohibiting any investment, trade, and financing on the ‘Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.’
Both President Putin and President Biden have agreed to meet “in principle” to talk about deescalating the issue. Among the points, Russia is demanding is not to allow Ukraine to join NATO. The reason was to avoid NATO spreading its foothold at the Russian borders.