Russia’s recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent states is an “unjustified act”, defence ministers from the UK, the Netherlands, the Baltic States and Nordic countries have said.
The defence ministers from ten countries are part of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force and issued the statement after meeting in Leicestershire.
In a news conference, the UK’s defence secretary said the recognition of the two republics was not only against international law but also basically trashes the Minsk agreements.
Ben Wallace said there were plenty more sanctions “in the tank” after those announced today, but stressed the importance of imposing sanctions in “lockstep” with allies.
He said the Joint Expeditionary Force would also be conducting “freedom of movement exercises” in the coming weeks in the Baltic Sea. Defence ministers from the Baltic States have called for more Nato forces to be deployed in their countries and for more military support.
Wallace said “we’re absolutely open to doing even more if required, because we need to send that clear signal to President Putin”.
