The US representative stressed that the Russian authorities continue to create reasons for the further invasion of Ukraine.

The United States has called “nonsense” the introduction of Russian troops as “peacekeepers” in the ORDLO and promises to announce additional measures on February 22 to bring Russia to justice.

This was stated at a meeting of the UN Security Council by US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. 

According to her, Putin, who tore the Minsk agreements into pieces on Monday, is testing the international system, testing the determination of the United Nations, and looking at how far he will be allowed to go.

“We must make it clear that an attack on Ukraine is an attack on the sovereignty of every UN member state and the UN Charter and that it will be met with swift and severe consequences,” the diplomat said.

The United States, along with its allies and partners, warned of a swift and harsh response to Russia’s further aggression against Ukraine. In this regard, the ambassador called on the entire international community to react to the Kremlin’s actions now – otherwise, the price will rise over time.

“Russia’s obvious attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is unprovoked. This attack on Ukraine’s status as a member of the United Nations is a violation of basic principles of international law,” the ambassador said.

The US representative stressed that the Russian authorities continue to create reasons for the further invasion of Ukraine. The consequences of these actions will spread far beyond Ukraine. In this context, she drew attention to the false narratives spread directly by President Putin about Ukraine, as well as his desire to restore the Russian Empire.

“In fact, Putin wants the world to go back in time, to the days before the UN, to the time when empires set the rules for the world. But the rest of the world is moving forward. It’s not 1919, it’s 2021,” said Linda Thomas Greenfield.

She recalled that for many weeks the international community had called on the Russian president to resolve the crisis through diplomacy. 

Most countries supported Ukraine during the UN Security Council meeting over concerns over Russia’s recognition of the “independence” of the so-called “DPR” and “LPR”, but Russia’s permanent representative Vasyl Nebenzia took the opposite view. 

Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Serhiy Kyslytsia took off his mask at the beginning of his speech during the UN Security Council meeting and stated that the virus, which has affected the UN, is spread by the Kremlin. According to him, all UN countries were under attack and reminded which countries were already occupied by Russia. 

It will be recalled that on February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the recognition of the self-proclaimed  “DPR” and “LPR”. He also signed a decree and agreements on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between Russia and the People’s Republic of China.

Image Credit: Getty

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