Putin Orders Peacekeepers into Ukraine's Donbas... US and Others Warn of Sanctions (Update)

Russian President Vladimir Putin
[Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian peacekeeping forces to enter the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, according to AP News and other sources on the 21st (local time).

According to reports, President Putin ordered Russian peacekeeping forces to enter the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR) in the Donbas region. These are the two regions for which Putin signed presidential decrees recognizing them as independent states on the same day. Earlier, he claimed that the Donbas region has historically been Russian territory and signed mutual assistance treaties with pro-Russian rebel groups, effectively declaring military intervention.

AP reported, "The Kremlin order signed by Putin leaves unclear when or even if the troops will enter Ukraine, but this move is expected to bring new sanctions from the United States and other Western countries and increase the possibility of military conflict."

The United States and Europe strongly criticized the move. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "President Joe Biden will soon issue an executive order banning new investments, trade, and financial transactions," adding that this is separate from the strong sanctions the U.S. has prepared in response to Russia's invasion.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Charles Michel also stated in a joint declaration that this is a "blatant violation of international law" and announced that sanctions will be imposed. Other European leaders, including those from France, also strongly condemned Russia's actions.

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