The EU Condemns Putin’s Decision to Invade Donetsk and Luhansk

The EU, through a statement by its High Representative on its behalf, condemns President Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize the non-government-controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as independent entities and the subsequent decision to send Russian troops to these areas. It emphasizes that this is an illegal act that further undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and constitutes a serious violation of international law and international agreements, including the United Nations Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Paris Charter, and the Budapest Memorandum.