WHAT IS RUSSIA’S NEXT MOVE AFTER SEPARATING UKRAINE REGIONS?

(The Quiver ) : Russian president Vladimir Putin on Monday recognized the independence of separatist regions – Donetsk and Luhansk, in eastern Ukarine .This paved the way to provide them military support . Thus directly challenging the west Ukraine that Russia could imminently invade Ukraine at any moment.

Putin took this step despite warnings from the West that the move could lead to sweeping sanctions. Addressing eastern Ukraine, broadcasted on the state-run television ,he said , “I believe it is necessary to take a long overdue decision, to immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic”. Before state television showed Putin signing mutual aid agreements with rebel leaders in the Kremlin.

President Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered Russia’s military to act as peacekeepers in two breakaway regions of Ukraine, just hours after he recognized them as independent.

With the Russia-Ukraine tensions escalating to the next level, the United Nations Security Council on Tuesday convened an emergency meet in a bid to prevent a full-scale conflict. As per the reports , the emergency huddle was convened by the global peace body’s political chief ,who condemned Russia ‘s recognition of separatist areas Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukarine.

During the meeting, UN undersecretary-general Rosemary DiCarlo is learnt to have told the attendees that all the members involved should immediately focus on ending hostilities. DiCarlo also expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure and relentless shelling between the Ukrainian government forces and the Russia-backed separatists.

Meanwhile, India expressed concerns over the simmering tensions between Russia and Ukraine at the UN security council meeting, urging all parties to exercise restraint and step up diplomatic efforts to find a mutually amicable solution to defuse tensions.