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Putin: ‘Modern Ukraine’ was created by Bolshevik Russia
The UK will announce sanctions against Russia tomorrow, it is understood.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss plans to enact sanctions for which laws were already passed on February 10.
When they were announced, the government said they would allow the UK to “impose sanctions on Russian businesses and individuals in a wide range of economic and strategically significant sectors, such as the chemical, defence, extractives, ICT and financial services industries”.
They were announced as part of the government’s measures “to urge the Kremlin to end its campaign of aggression in Ukraine”.
Further sanctions could then follow if there is an invasion.
Truss confirmed the plan in a tweet today, writing: “Tomorrow we will be announcing new sanctions on Russia in response to their breach of international law and attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The confirmation tomorrow comes after president Vladimir Putin delivered a stirring statement today, in which he said it was “historical fact” that Ukraine is in Russia.
Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered a statement today on Ukraine
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Image:
sky)
During the speech, which was broadcast on Russia 24, he painted today’s Ukraine as a modern construct that is inextricably linked to Russia.
He then went on to say Russia has every right to protect its security.
Putin also signed a decree recognising the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk, with the move widely seen as upping the ante in a crisis that could soon turn into war.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the recognition as a breach of international law during a Downing Street press conference this evening.
He said: “I gather just as I came into this press conference that Vladimir Putin has effectively announced that Russia is recognising the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Lugansk.
“This is plainly in breach of international law. It’s a … flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine.
Ukrainian soldiers have been taking part in military drills as the threat of war looms
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Image:
Press service of the General Sta)
“It is a repudiation of the Minsk process and the Minsk agreements, and I think it’s a very ill omen and a very dark sign.”
Truss also said the move violated the U.N. Charter and signalled an end to the Minsk process – a set of agreements designed to end a separatist war by Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine.
She said in a statement: “We will coordinate our response will allies. We will not allow Russia’s violation of its international commitments to go unpunished.”
Johnson is due to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday.
When asked earlier if it was now time to impose sanctions on Russia, Johnson said he would have to wait and see what happened in eastern Ukraine.
Boris Johnson has accused Russia of breaching international law
He said: “What I have said before about the package of sanctions is that they will be triggered with the first toecap of a Russian incursion or Russian invasion. But plainly what has happened is extremely bad news.
“It is becoming clear that we’re going to need to start applying as much pressure as we possibly can because it is hard to see how this situation improves.”
Read More
Putin says it’s ‘historical fact’ Ukraine is in Russia in stirring TV speech to nation
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Boris Johnson says Putin’s latest Ukraine move is ‘plainly’ breaking international law
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/uk-impose-sanctions-against-russia-26294259
