White House "Russia's 'Recognition of Separatist Independence' Expected... Sanctions to Be Imposed Soon" (Update)

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The Biden administration of the United States announced on the 21st (local time) that it "anticipated such a move and is ready to respond immediately" regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's recognition of the independence of pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, and stated that "sanctions will be announced soon."

The White House made this statement through spokesperson Jen Psaki after news broke that President Putin signed a presidential decree recognizing the independence of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic.

Spokesperson Psaki explained, "President Biden will issue an executive order prohibiting new American investments, trade, and financing in the region," adding, "It also includes authority to impose sanctions on individuals operating in that area within Ukraine."

The U.S. State Department and Treasury Department are expected to release additional details soon.

Along with this, Psaki mentioned, "Additional measures related to Russia's blatant violations of international agreements will also be announced soon." He added that these measures are separate from the "swift and severe economic actions" prepared with allies and partners in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, in a national address on the same day, President Putin stated, "It is necessary to make a long-delayed decision to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic in the Donbas region," and signed the presidential decree.

He claimed, "The citizens of the Donbas region are being abused by the (Ukrainian) government," and asserted, "(Ukraine) is a colony under a puppet regime installed by the United States." He also requested the Russian parliament to support this decision and ratify treaties of friendship and mutual assistance with the two republics.

Accordingly, it is assessed that this opens the way for Russia to openly dispatch troops to separatist republic forces fighting against the Ukrainian government forces. Major foreign media reported, "Russia can intervene as an ally, claiming to protect independent countries from Ukraine."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.