Lhe United States on Monday promised a “firm” and “rapid” response to Moscow’s recognition of the independence of separatist regions in Ukraine, unveiling the first sanctions against these territories and threatening a firmer response in the event of escalation.
Vladimir Putin’s maneuvers “directly contradict Russia’s alleged commitment to diplomacy”, castigated US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
In response, President Biden issued an executive order that prohibits any new investment, trade, or financing by U.S. persons to, from, or within the pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk.
New phase
Joe Biden informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of these measures, reaffirming “the commitment of the United States” to respect “the territorial integrity of Ukraine”, according to the White House.
The two separatist territories of Donetsk and Lugansk already have extremely limited relations with the United States. But these sanctions herald a new phase in what could soon become the most dangerous confrontation between the West and Moscow since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
“Other measures” will also be unveiled on Tuesday, said a senior US official on condition of anonymity a few hours later, without giving further details.
The European Union has at the same time made it known that it will sanction “those who are involved” in Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize the independence of these Ukrainian territories. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also promised “significant” sanctions.
“A pariah”
Vladimir Putin’s announcement comes at a time when Westerners are warning against the imminence of an invasion of Ukraine, on the borders of which more than 150,000 Russian soldiers, according to Washington, have been waiting for weeks.
The White House also insisted that the sanctions announced Monday were “separate” and would be “in addition” to the “rapid and severe” economic measures prepared by Washington and its allies in the event of an invasion.
These sanctions would make Moscow a “pariah for the international community” had warned a senior official of the American executive on Friday.
Russia would be “isolated from global financial markets and deprived of the most sophisticated technological inputs”, he had threatened.
Washington has also repeatedly claimed that the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which connects Russia to Germany by sea, would not come into operation if Moscow were to attack Ukraine.
22/02/2022 00:27:07 –
Washington (AFP) –
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