Russia-Ukraine crisis: World leaders condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin
Tokyo, February 22: World leaders on Tuesday condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin after he ordered his forces into separatist regions of eastern Ukraine. Leaders in Asia and elsewhere have voiced strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
They have expressed concerns how a European war could hurt global and local economies and endanger foreign nationals trapped in Ukraine.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Ukraine’s sovereignty and territory must be respected. A conflict could devastate Ukraine and cause huge economic damage across Europe, which is heavily dependent on Russian energy. Moon instructed his officials to prepare for the economic fallout in South Korea if the Ukraine crisis worsened.
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South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Choi Young-sam said diplomats were trying to persuade 63 of its nationals, who currently remain in Ukraine to leave.
Putin’s directive came hours after he recognised the two Ukrainian separatist regions, setting up Russian military support and antagonising Western leaders who regard it as a breach of world order.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida criticised Russia for violating Ukrainian territorial integrity and said his country would discuss possible “severe actions,” including sanctions, with the international community.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said there was no basis under international law for Putin to recognise the Ukrainian separatist regions.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Russia should “unconditionally withdraw” from Ukrainian territory and stop threatening its neighbors.
NATO-member Turkey, which has close relations to both Ukraine and Russia, criticised Russia’s decision to recognise the independence of the regions in eastern Ukraine.
The White House issued an executive order to restrict investment and trade in the separatist regions, and additional measures — likely sanctions — were to be announced Tuesday.
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Ukraine’s UN ambassador demanded that Russia cancel its recognition of the independence of the separatist regions, immediately withdraw its “occupation troops” sent there by Putin and return to negotiations.
China, a traditional ally of Russia, sounded a cautious note, calling for restraint and a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
-PTC News
