Ukraine Crisis: Russia's Upper House Allows Putin to Use Army Abroad
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine tensions here.
Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden.
(Photo: Chetan Bhakuni/The Quint)
Russia's upper house on Tuesday, 22 February, voted to allow President Vladimir Putin to use the Russian Army abroad to support the Ukrainian separatists. The decision was backed by 153 senators, with no one voting against or abstaining.
Putin had asked the Federation Council to allow the use of the army outside the country to help the separatists. The separatists have been fighting the Ukrainian army since 2014. Putin also said that the Ukraine peace agreement did not exist anymore and it was best if Ukraine dropped the NATO bid and adopted neutrality.
Meanwhile, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday said that there was 'every indication' that Russia was planning a full-scale attack on Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that as a long-feared Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared imminent, he would stop the approval process of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, in view of the crisis.
Amid escalating tensions, the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the foreign ministers would adopt sanctions against Russia on Tuesday.
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated on Monday after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces into the separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.
Putin’s directive came hours after he recognised the independence of two rebel-held areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk in Ukraine – a controversial move that the West had warned Russia against. The US imposed sanctions on Russia soon after Putin's announcement.
Underscoring the urgency, the UN Security Council set a rare night-time emergency meeting on Monday.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sought to project calm, telling the country: “We are not afraid of anyone or anything. We don’t owe anyone anything. And we won’t give anything to anyone.”
The US, meanwhile, announced sanctions on the Russia-backed regions, blocking trade and investment.
Biden said he would consider having direct talks with Putin if Moscow did not attack Kyiv.
Putin has blamed NATO for "pumping modern weapons and ammunition" into Ukraine and warned against Ukraine joining NATO, a move it feels brings Western Europe closer to the Russian borders.
Both NATO and Ukraine have rejected this demand.
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Background of the Crisis
Tensions have been simmering between Russia, Ukraine, NATO, and the US, that had led Russia to mobilise more than 100,000 troops at the Ukrainian border.
One of the key disagreements between Russia and the other countries revolves around Ukraine potentially joining NATO.
Russia has warned against the move, while the Ukrainian Constitution consists of clauses that seek NATO membership for the country.
Putin has two other key demands from NATO:
The removal of NATO troops from Eastern European countries that joined after 1997
An assurance that NATO countries will not install missile systems on Russia’s borders
You can read about the crisis in detail here. A brief history and background of Russo-Ukrainian tensions can be found here.
Defying West, Putin Orders Troops to Ukraine Rebel Regions
President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions of Ukraine on Monday, defying Western threats of sanctions in a move that could set off a potentially catastrophic war with Kyiv.
Earlier, the Kremlin leader recognised the independence of two rebel-held areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions of Ukraine, paving the way for an operation to deploy part of the potential invasion force he has massed around the country.
In two official decrees, Putin instructed the defence ministry to assume "the function of peacekeeping" in the separatist-held regions.
US Announces Sanctions on Russia-Backed Separatist Regions
The recognition of the breakaway republics, which form an enclave held by Russia-backed rebels since 2014, triggered international condemnation and a promise of targeted sanctions from the United States and the European Union - with a broader package of economic punishment to come in the event of invasion.
The White House issued an executive order to prohibit US investment and trade in the separatist regions, and additional measures – likely sanctions – were to be announced Tuesday.
Those sanctions are independent of what Washington has prepared in the event of a Russian invasion, according to a report by AP.
Ukraine President Seeks to Maintain Calm
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky convened a meeting of his national security council and had telephone calls with several world leaders in a bid to shore up support.
"We expect clear support steps and effective support steps from our partners," he declared in a late night televised address, vowing that Kyiv was not afraid of anyone.
"It is very important to see now who is our true friend and partner, and who will continue to scare the Russian Federation with words," he said.
"We are on our own land."
World Leaders Condemn Putin's Move
US President Joe Biden, France's Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that Moscow's gambit "would not go unanswered".
The US announced sanctions, with the White House saying Biden will issue an executive order to "prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by US persons to, from, or in" the two rebel regions.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the Kremlin's move, urging the European Union to agree new sanctions against Moscow.
"The president condemns the decision.... He is demanding an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council as well as the adoption of targeted European sanctions," the French presidency said in a statement.
"This is clearly a unilateral violation of Russia's international commitments and a breach of Ukraine's sovereignty," it added.
The UN has also denounced the "order to deploy Russian troops into eastern Ukraine".
US Sends Diplomats in Ukraine to Poland
The US said it is sending all of its diplomats in Ukraine to Poland out of security fears, after Russia ordered troops into two rebel regions of Ukraine.
"For security reasons, Department of State personnel currently in Lviv will spend the night in Poland" said Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
UN Holds Emergency Security Council Meeting
The UN is holding an emergency Security Council meeting on the Ukraine crisis on Tuesday.
Diplomats told AFP that Russia, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council, eventually accepted US demands it be an open meeting.
Attack on Ukraine's Status as UN Member State: US at UNSC Meet
Speaking at the UNSC meeting, the US said, "Russia's clear attack on Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty is unprovoked. It is an attack on Ukraine's status as a UN member state. It violates basic principles of international law."
Escalation of Tension a Matter of Deep Concern: India at UNSC Meet
India at the meeting said that it has been closely following the evolving developments relating to Ukraine and the related announcement by Russia.
"The escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation is a matter of deep concern," India said, adding that these developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the region.
Amid Russia's Aggression, US Speaks to Chinese Foreign Minister
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi about the about developments in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as well as the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. He underscored the need to preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Air India's Special Flight Departs for Ukraine
Air India's special ferry, the Dreamliner B-787 aircraft, left for Ukraine today morning to bring back the Indian citizens. The flight deployed for the special operation has a capacity of over 200 seats, and will land in Delhi tonight.
Air India had previously announced that it will operate three flights between India-Ukraine on 22, 24 and 26 February.
'Violation of Ukraine's Sovereignty': UN Chief on Russia's Move
UN chief Antonio Guterres decried Russia's decision to recognise rebel regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine as independent, saying that "it is a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations."
Additional Flights to Operate Between Delhi-Kyiv
"In view of the continued high level of tensions in Ukraine, additional flights are being organised. Four flights from Kyiv to Delhi to operate on 25 February, 27 February and 6 March," the Embassy of India in Ukraine said in a statement.
EU to Impose Sanctions on Russia
The European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the foreign ministers will adopt sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, AFP reported.
"Of course our response will be in the form of sanctions, whose extent the ministers will decide... I'm sure there will be a unanimous decision," he added.
'In Favour of Maintaining International Peace': Rajnath Singh
"India wants a solution through talks, and peace to be established. I am sure a solution will emerge following talks between Russian President Putin and US President Biden. India is in favour of maintaining international peace," news agency ANI quoted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as saying on the crisis.
Indian Embassy Issues Advisory to Students in Ukraine
The Indian Embassy in Kyiv advised Indian students "to leave Ukraine temporarily rather than wait for an official confirmation from their universities", as tensions with Russia mounted in the region.
'Russia's Invasion of Ukraine Has Begun': UK Health Secretary
British Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Tuesday, spoke to Sky News and said that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has already begun as British PM Boris Johnson chaired an emergency government response meeting over the crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
"You can conclude that the invasion of Ukraine has begun...The Russians, President Putin, has decided to attack the sovereignty of Ukraine and its territorial integrity," Reuters quoted the official as saying.
He also reportedly indicated that the UK will impose sanctions on the nation.
'Russia is Trying to Revive the USSR': Ukraine Defence Min
In an address to the defence forces of Ukraine, the nation's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov warned of 'hardship' and 'losses' after Russia recognition of rebel regions, AFP reported.
Further, he claimed that "the Kremlin has taken another step towards the revival of the Soviet Union. With the new Warsaw Pact and the new Berlin Wall," Reuters quoted.
'We're Used to It': Russia on Western Sanctions
Russia’s foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, underplayed the threat of sanctions on Tuesday, saying that the west’s actions were predictable.
"Our European, American, British colleagues will not stop and will not calm down until they have exhausted all their possibilities for the so-called ‘punishment of Russia’. They are already threatening us with all manner of sanctions or, as they say now, ‘the mother of all sanctions’. Well, we’re used to it. We know that sanctions will be imposed anyway, in any case. With or without reason," the Russian foreign minister was quoted as saying by Reuters.
Ukraine Considering Breaking Off Diplomatic Relations With Russia: Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded the immediate halt of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project as part of Western sanctions, AFP reported.
The leader added that Kyiv is considering breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia.
"I have received a request from the foreign ministry to examine the question of breaking off relations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation," Zelenskyy reportedly said.
Italy Condemns Russia's Gambit Against Ukraine
Italy's Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio condemned Russia’s move to recognise the two breakaway regions in Eastern Ukraine as independent saying, “The decision of the Russian authorities to recognise the so-called separatist republics of Luhansk and Donetsk is to be condemned as a violation of the Minsk agreements," Reuters quoted.
The minister added that the move “represents a serious obstacle in the path towards a diplomatic solution of the Ukrainian crisis” and said that Italy is in talks with European and Atlantic partners to respond to Russia's gambit.
Germany Halts Nord Stream 2 Pipeline
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, has indicated that he will to stop the approval process of Nord Stream 2 pipeline, connecting Germany and Russia, amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had reportedly demanded the immediate halt of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project as part of Western sanctions.
'No Need to Panic, Stay in Touch With Indian Embassy': Minister Meenakshi Lekhi
"There is no need to panic, the Government of India has issued an advisory. All Indians, stay in touch with our embassy," said Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis was yet to be felt on trade.
'India Supports De-Escalation of Tensions': Foreign Secy
"This morning we made a statement at UNSC. We've been clear there should be de-escalation of tensions, that world can't afford another conflict, that diplomacy and diplomatic efforts are the only way to reach an amicable solution acceptable to all," Foreign Secretary HV Shringla was quoted as saying by ANI, alluding to the tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
"We've been in touch with all concerned. The external affairs minister was at Munich Security Conference, he met a lot of our interlocutors. Our approach has been – de-escalate, de-conflict. Diplomacy the only option," he added.
Russia Recognises Areas Held by Ukrainian Forces as Part of Rebel Areas
Russia said on Tuesday that its recognition of separatist areas in eastern Ukraine includes territory now held by Ukrainian forces.
The statement confirms Western fears that Moscow intends to invade more of Ukraine’s territory after sending troops into the rebel-held region.
According to Washington Post, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has recognised the independence of rebel-held regions within borders that the separatists originally proclaimed when they broke away from Ukraine in 2014. Because large parts of those regions have since been reclaimed by Ukrainian forces during their eight-year war, Russia’s declaration could lead to attempts to expand the breakaway region by force.
UK Imposes Sanctions on 5 Russian Banks, 3 High Net-Worth Individuals
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the UK would impose sanctions on five Russian banks, and three 'very high-net-worth individuals' following Moscow troop deployment in Ukraine's separatist regions, news agency AFP reported.
Russia Not Planning to Send Troops to East Ukraine For Now: Foreign Ministry
Russia's foreign ministry on Tuesday said that it's not planning to send its troops to east Ukraine 'for now', reports AFP.
NATO Announces Urgent Meeting with Ukraine Envoy: Report
NATO on Tuesday announced an urgent meeting with the Ukraine envoy, reported AFP.
Ready' to Reinforce Troops in Lithuania: Germany
Germany on Tuesday said its 'ready' to reinforce troops in Lithuania, reported AFP.
White House Welcomes Nord Stream 2 Halt
White House on Tuesday welcomed the Nord Stream 2 halt and said it would soon announce its 'own measures' against Russia.
'250 Indians Returning From Ukraine to Delhi Tonight': MEA
"Around 250 Indians and students belonging to various states are returning from Ukraine to Delhi tonight. More flights in the coming days to help Indians return," Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, V Muraleedharan was quoted as saying by ANI.
US President Biden to Address Nation on Russia's Actions in Ukraine
US President Biden will address the United States on Russia's actions in Ukraine early on Wednesday morning, reports AFP.
'Putin Asks Upper House to Approve Use of Russian Army Outside Russia'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the upper house to approve the use of Russian army outside Russia, the country's deputy defence minister said, according to AFP.
Ukraine Foreign Min Urges EU to 'Promise' Country Future Membership
Ukraine's foreign minister has urged the European Union to 'promise' the country a future membership in EU, reports AFP.
The foreign minister also said that Ukraine has urged the West to step up arms supply to help it resist Russia.
G7 Support 'Unwavering' for Ukraine: UK Foreign Secretary Truss
UK Foreign Secretary Truss on Tuesday said the support of G7 countries is 'unwavering' for Ukraine.
Russian Upper House Votes to Allow Putin to Use Army Abroad
The Russian upper house on Tuesday voted to allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to use army abroad, reports AFP.
'Every Indication' Russia Planning Full-Scale Attack on Ukraine: NATO Chief
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday said that there is 'every indication' that Russia is planning a full-scale attack on Ukraine, reported AFP.
Finland to Re-evaluate Russian Rosatom Nuclear Reactor Project over Crisis in Ukraine: PM
Finland Prime Minister Sanna Marin on Tuesday said that the country will re-evaluate Russian Rosatom nuclear reactor project over the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, reported AFP.
Ukraine Peace Agreement 'Does Not Exist' Anymore: Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that the Ukraine peace agreement 'does not exist' anymore, reported AFP.
He further said the decision on deployment of troops to Ukraine depended on 'situation on the ground'. He further said that it was 'best' if Ukraine dropped the NATO bid and adopted neutrality, reported AFP.
Russia to Evacuate Diplomats From Ukraine Soon: Report
Russia on Tuesday said that it would be evacuating its diplomats from Ukraine soon, reported AFP.