Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into eastern Ukraine’s two breakaway regions, with fears a full-scale war could begin at any time
Under decrees, Putin says troops will perform so-called “peacekeeping functions” in the rebel areas.
It’s unclear exactly what this will involve at this stage.
The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on the Russia-Ukraine crisis
BREAKING: UN Security Council set to hold emergency meeting on Russia-Ukraine crisis
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) February 21, 2022
US President Biden has just wrapped up a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, Zelenskyy.
During the call, Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Biden has condemned Putin’s decision to recognise the independence of two breakaway regions in the east.
Journalist Ben Arvis, says that the crisis is beginning to dangerously escalate.
“This crisis is now starting to reach the scale of the Cuban Missile Crisis,” he says.
The United States is standing ready to enact sanctions and respond decisively to Russia’s actions if required in lockstep with its Allies.
The White House says it is ready to order fresh sanctions against two separatist Ukraine regions, following Putin’s decision to formally recognise the areas.
This comes as the United Nations addresses the crisis, noting Russia is violating Ukraine’s sovereignty.
US, EU and UK to impose sanction
It’s also been confirmed the European Union and the United Kingdom will move to impose coordinated sanctions against Russia following Moscow’s deployment of troops to eastern Ukraine’s breakaway regions.
It’s expected these sanctions will be economic and financial in nature, essentially cutting Russia off from international financial markets.
The Donetsk and Luhansk have long been contested by Ukraine and Russian-backed Rebels.
World leaders react
Biden, Macron and Scholz say Putin’s recognition of the independence of breakaway regions ‘will not go unanswered’.
US Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby warns if a war does occur, the result will be nothing short of devastating.
The West has been preparing for a Russian invasion of Ukraine for days and while war does seem imminent, the US says it will continue to push for diplomacy.
Concerns with Nord Stream 2
While the diplomatic path is narrowing, a lot of focus is now turning to the $11 billion gas pipeline that is set to run between Russia and Germany.
The Nord Stream 2 is of huge significance because it would make Europe heavily reliant on Russia’s energy supplies.
However, threatening the future of the pipeline could be an important political bargaining chip to deter Putin from invading Ukraine.
Also contributed by Savannah Pocock
