The United States on Monday announced sanctions against separatist areas in Ukraine recognized by Russia, shortly after a Russian decree recognizing Luhansk and Donetsk as independent areas.
The US sanctions will “prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by US persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said referring to the names of the regions adopted by Moscow (Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic).
After being signed by US President Joe Biden, the measures will “provide authority to impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine,” Psaki added.
More sanctions will be placed “should Russia further invade Ukraine.”
The US sanctions followed shortly after by the United Kingdom announcing its own sanctions on Moscow.
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Trust said new sanctions will be placed on Russia “in response to their breach of international law and attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel also said the recognition was “a blatant violation of international law,” vowing sanctions.
They said the EU “will react with sanctions” and “reiterates its unwavering support to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.”
Source: Agencies
