US Deputy Secretary of State: "Russia's Decision Marks the Starting Point of Ukraine Invasion... Additional Measures to Be Announced Soon"

[Image source=Reuters News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, strongly criticized Russia's recent actions at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the 22nd (local time), calling it "the starting point of the invasion of Ukraine."

According to CNN, Deputy Secretary Sherman pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin's approval of independence for the pro-Russian separatist-controlled areas in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region and his order for Russian troops to enter the area the day before were "unjustified and illegitimate."

She criticized, "Russia calls these troops 'peacekeepers,' but we all know this is false."

Additionally, Deputy Secretary Sherman announced, "Within the next few hours, the United States will announce significant additional sanctions and other measures that will impose serious costs and consequences on Russia."

She emphasized, "The Russian president wants to show that he can mock the international order through force," adding, "We must unite to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and every sovereign nation should be free from threats of coercion, subversion, and invasion to choose its own path."

However, she left room for a diplomatic solution. Deputy Secretary Sherman added, "The United States continues to believe that diplomatic efforts are the only solution."

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