EU ambassador: recognition of Ukrainian regions' independence is "blatant violation of international law"

Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states is a "blatant violation of international law" condemned by European leaders "in the strongest possible terms," EU Ambassadot to Georgia Carl Hartzell said earlier today.

Ambassador Hartzell noted the Russian president's decision eventually serves "to the detriment of everyone's security."

We are also looking forward to continue consulting with the Georgian authorities about both what this means for the region - including for Georgia, and what is the appropriate conclusion to be drawn from this situation," he added.

• Georgian officials condemn Russia’s recognition of Ukrainian regions' independence

Putin’s decision to recognise the independence of Ukrainian regions on February 21 follows a call by the Russia's Security Council on the president to do so, while the Russian State Duma unanimously supported the Communist Party's initiative to the Russian president to recognise the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.

The international community has condemned the decision of Russia, expressing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and warning the Russian Federation of the “swift and firm response,” United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.