Tensions in Ukraine today: Russian troops advance into separatist territory, Washington promises diplomacy, Ukrainian president says borders will “remain as they are”

The Baltic states today urged strengthening of NATO’s eastern wing, after Russia recognized the breakaway Donbass republic, which they saw as an attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Russia has destroyed the Minsk agreement,” Estonian President Alar Karis said in a statement, while the country’s head of government, Kaja Kallas, condemned “the attack on Ukraine’s territorial integrity”. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called Russia’s admission an “unacceptable violation of international law”.

Lithuania’s head of government, Ingrida Simonyte, argued that Russia’s recognition of the breakaway republics “may seem unreal to the democratic world” and that what happens to the next generation “will depend on the reaction” to it. Latvia, a member of NATO and the European Union like other Baltic republics, called for strengthening the eastern wing of the Atlantic Alliance, in a statement signed by the country’s president, parliament and government.

Latvian President Egils Levits, the country’s Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, as well as Parliament Speaker Ināra Muizniece urged to adopt the “most energetic measures” after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision. The recognition of the breakaway republic is a “violation of international law”, based on “made-up excuses” and disinformation, with which Russia is trying to “change the political direction” of Ukraine, the three leaders said in a joint statement. According to the document, the President, Head of Government and Speaker of the Parliament of the Baltic Republic urged the international community to “take the strongest possible measures” to stop Russia’s aggression and support Ukraine.

Jackson Wintringham

"Coffee aficionado nerd. Troublemaker. General communicator. Gamer. Analyst. Creator. Total brew ninja."

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *