Russian irredentism

Russia's decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics in eastern Ukraine adds fuel to the flames in the crisis, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli said on Feb. 22.

The United Kingdom will announce today the first series of economic sanctions that will hit Russia very hard. This was stated by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson after a crisis meeting held at 10 Downing Street, world agencies reported.

More sanctions will follow in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, he warned.

The breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk republics have ratified friendship and cooperation agreements with Russia. This officially provides an opportunity to receive military and financial support from Moscow, Russia Today reports.

Military Columns are already Moving in Donbas

The Bulgarian Socialist Party's (BSP) parliament group has expressed strong concern over recent developments in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Christian Vigenin presented the party's position in a declaration on the sidelines of the National Assembly.

Bulgaria's Deputy PM: There are No Arms Exports from Bulgaria to Ukraine

"Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR) has completely changed the world order." This was announced by Serbian President Alexander Vucic on RTV Pink.

Putin Recognizes the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics as Independent States

EU High Representative for the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said sanctions against Russia could be imposed this afternoon due to the further escalation of the crisis in Ukraine.

Putin Recognizes the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics as Independent States

Pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine and government security forces today announced new casualties as a result of hostilities.

Putin Recognizes the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics as Independent States

"The recognition of the so-called DPR and LPR by the Russian Federation dooms the efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine and leads to growing tensions throughout the region."

Bulgaria Condemns Putin's Recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk

Oil prices rose sharply in Asian trade today after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree last night recognizing the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics that seceded from Ukraine, and later ordered Russian troops to enter their territories to "keep the peace," CNB reported.

Turkey today condemned Russia's recognition of the independence of the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine and described it as a violation of international agreements and Ukraine's territorial integrity, Reuters reported.

Putin Recognizes the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics as Independent States