Ukraine says 'we are not afraid' after Russia recognises rebel-backed regions
Zee News
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address to the nation early morning, said that Russia's actions are a violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Kyiv: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday warned that his country is "not afraid" and "will not concede anything to anyone" after Russia recognized the rebel-backed territories in its eastern part and ordered troops for peacekeeping there.
Zelensky, in his address to the nation early morning, said that Russia's actions are a ''violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.''
He added that Russia is merely legalizing the Russian forces that have been in the Donbas since 2014 when Russia invaded and later annexed Crimea. Russia has denied having any military presence in the country, according to The Kyiv Independent.
The ongoing crisis deepened after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent and ordered the Russian army to launch what Moscow called a peacekeeping operation into the area.
Putin, who was joined by Russia-backed separatist leaders, signed a decree recognising the independence of the two Ukrainian breakaway regions -- the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic - along with agreements on cooperation and friendship.
