"Ukraine unequivocally qualifies the recent actions of the Russian Federation as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. All responsibility for the consequences of these decisions rests with Russia's political leadership," the President stressed.
In addition, he said, recognizing the "independence" of the occupied districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions could mean Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreements and ignoring decisions within the Normandy Four.
Read more: Out of Mind Towards War: Putin's Russia Recognized Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine as Independent Entities
"It undermines peaceful efforts and destroys existing negotiating formats. With today's and tomorrow's possible decisions, Russia is legalizing its troops, which have actually been in the occupied areas of Donbas since 2014. A country that has supported the war for eight years cannot support peace, as it claims," the President of Ukraine said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had discussed the situation with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, US President Joseph Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. A phone conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is also planned.
He noted that today the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine had sent a request to the member states of the UN Security Council on the basis of the Budapest Memorandum with a request to hold immediate consultations. A meeting of the UN Security Council and a special meeting of the OSCE were also initiated.
"We insist on the full work of the OSCE SMM to prevent provocations and further escalation," the President said.
In addition, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, an emergency convocation of the Normandy Four summit has been initiated.
"We expect clear and effective steps of support from our partners. It is very important to see now who is our true friend and partner, and who will continue to intimidate the Russian Federation with words," the Head of State stressed.
The President assured that Ukraine is committed to a political-diplomatic settlement and does not give in to provocations.
"We can clearly distinguish between the provocations and the offensive of the aggressor's troops. The truth is on our side. And we will never hide the truth from you. As soon as we see a change in the situation, as soon as we see an increase in risks - you will know all this. There is currently no reason for chaotic action. We will do everything to keep it that way," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The Head of State thanked all the citizens of Ukraine, who once again prove that Ukrainians are a smart and wise nation that keeps a cool head, reacts calmly and prudently despite everything.
"For a long time, we have been ready for everything. But there is no reason for your sleepless night," the President said.
As Defense Express reports, on February, 21 Russian President Vladimir Putin held a speech on Russian state television concerning his views on Ukrainian history, conflict in Donbas (Eastern Ukraine), and relationships with NATO. In conclusion, he announced he officially recognized the formations in Donbas as independent and sovereign states.
Vladimir Putin's decision followed by official agreements with the leaders of the so-called "DPR/LPR" is a direct violation of international law and the sovereignty of Ukraine in particular. Minsk agreements are often mentioned in the framework of this discourse.
Read more: New Satellite Imagery Shows Russia Increased Military Readiness
