Romania’s Reaction to Russia’s Recognition of Donbas Independence

Immediately after Russia recognized the Donbas separatist region’s independence, Romania reacted. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis criticized Russia’s recognition of Ukraine’s two Eastern regions as independent states, calling for a “severe” response from the international community. Russia’s activities, according to the Romanian president, “threaten world peace and security.”

Romanian Presidency reaction to Russia’s announcement:

Romania strongly condemns the Russian Federation’s recognition of the “independence” of the self-proclaimed separatist republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, part of Ukraine. This act is a flagrant violation of Ukraine’s international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This decision also violates Russia’s obligations as a signatory to the Minsk Agreements, which are thus emptied of their content. Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, is threatening, through its actions, the global peace and security guaranteed by the UN Security Council itself, deliberately violating the principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act.

The international community must firmly, immediately and unequivocally sanction this irresponsible decision of Russia. In this context, Romania reaffirms its strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. It will coordinate with its partners and allies to implement appropriate response measures.

Meanwhile, the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) informs Romanian citizens not to travel to this country and those who are temporarily in Ukraine to leave this state’s territory immediately.