Ireland supports additional sanctions against Russia for violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Simon Coveney, said this in a statement posted on his Twitter account, Ukrinform reports.

"The decision by the Russian Federation to proceed with the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine as independent entities contravenes international law, is a blatant violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity, and marks a clear and unilateral breach of the Minsk agreements," Coveney said.

He stressed that Ireland's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and its right to choose its own foreign and security policy path is unwavering.

"Ireland supports a clear and strong EU response, including additional sanctions measures," he said.

On February 21, Russian President Vladimir signed decrees recognizing two self-proclaimed entities in the temporarily occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. Putin also instructed the Russian Defense Ministry to "ensure that the Russian armed forces carry out peacekeeping functions in the DPR and LPR."

EU High Representative Josep Borrell said Putin's decision was an act of aggression and required immediate consideration by the UN Security Council.

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