By: Natasha Archary
Tensions are high as Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into two separatist pro-Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine.
Putin deployed his troops to the two regions as threats of the Ukraine being accepted into the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) looms.
According to Putin, “there is a real threat that the Ukraine will try to take back the territory they believe is theirs using military force.”
Holding a meeting of the Russian Federation Security Council at the Kremlin, Russia’s president said despite efforts to reach an agreement with NATO and the US, there is no mutual consensus.
“There are no guarantees whatsoever because the United States is known to easily discard any agreements and documents it signs.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin
US President Joe Biden has called the move “an invasion” which could trigger economic instability in Europe.
The European Union has announced the first sanction against Russia on Tuesday.
This after Putin recognized the independence of two Moscow-backed regions in eastern Ukraine.
Framing the move as a “peacekeeping effort”, Putin launched 150 000 troops on its neighbour’s borders.
Meanwhile, the Ukraine has been warned to prepare for an attack after Russia evacuated its diplomats from the country.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has halted approval for the contentious Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
The line was meant to deliver natural gas from Russia to Europe but will now need to be reassessed.
Recents developments between Russia and Ukraine has caused the markets to plunge. Prior to President Biden’s address on Tuesday evening, the Dow Jones dropped by nearly 700 points.
With the US imposing further sanctions to pull back western financing towards Russia, Biden has reaffirmed the US’s commitment to Ukraine sovereignty.
The US president has since deployed US troops in Europe, calling it a “defensive move”, saying the US has no intention of fighting Russia.
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