Russia recognizes two 'republics' in eastern Ukraine; UN calls on all parties to resolve eastern Ukraine peacefully through diplomatic efforts
How will war or negotiation evolve in Ukraine?
The situation in Ukraine changed overnight.
According to Xinhua News Agency, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order on the evening of February 21 to recognize the "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" in eastern Ukraine.
Subsequently, the parties responded quickly.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement on the current situation in eastern Ukraine, calling for a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Why did the situation in the Udong region heat up so rapidly, and how will it evolve?
Expert analysis said that this move was Russia's counterattack under the expansion of NATO's eastward offensive.
As the situation in Ukraine ferments, the trend of confrontation between the United States and Russia will intensify.
Ukraine, as a pawn in NATO's suppression of Russia, suffered the most.
Putin announces recognition of two "republics" in Udong
According to CCTV news, on February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a national video speech, announcing the recognition of the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" by the Ukrainian civilian armed forces as independent countries.
Putin first reviewed history in his speech, and then said that Western countries such as the United States and NATO have begun to shamelessly use Ukraine as a potential war site, and they have continuously sent weapons to Ukraine, sending military instructors and advisers.
Putin stressed that NATO is constantly trying to convince Russia that NATO is a purely defensive alliance, but five eastward expansions in history have seen NATO's military facilities deployed in areas close to Russia's border.
The Americans use Ukraine to pursue an anti-Russian policy.
Ukraine's accession to NATO is a direct threat to Russia's national security.
From a historical perspective, it makes no difference for Russia to admit or delay Ukraine's NATO membership now.
Putin said that humanitarian crises such as "genocide" are taking place in the Donbas region.
The Ukrainian authorities are trying to stage a "blitzkrieg" in the Donbas region without themselves wanting to implement the new Minsk agreement.
Putin emphasized that whether to recognize the civilian-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine as a state is closely related to world and European security, because using Ukraine as a tool to confront Russia is a serious threat to Russia.
Ukrainian president proposes urgent Quartet summit
According to Xinhua News Agency, the website of the President of Ukraine issued a statement in the early morning of February 22, saying that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia's recognition of the two "republics" in the eastern part of Ukraine, and believed that Russia's decision was a violation of Ukraine's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. violations, undermining peace efforts and existing negotiating models.
After an emergency meeting of the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council, Zelensky said that Russia's decision to recognize the "independence" of the "temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk" violated Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and The legalization of its troops in the Donbass means that Russia unilaterally withdraws from the Minsk agreement, ignoring the relevant decisions of the "Normandy model" Quartet.
Zelensky said he had discussed the situation with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Scholz, U.S. President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Council President Michel.
He suggested an urgent "Normandy model" Quartet summit, and assured that Ukraine would be committed to political and diplomatic solutions to the conflict, but would not succumb to provocation.
According to CCTV news, on February 22, local time, Ukraine recalled the Chargé d’Affaires in Russia for consultations.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was studying a proposal to cut diplomatic ties with Russia.
UN urges immediate cessation of hostilities
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement through a spokesman on February 21, local time, calling on all parties to peacefully resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine in accordance with the Minsk Agreement endorsed by the UN Security Council.
The statement urged all parties concerned to immediately cease hostilities, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, prevent any actions and rhetoric that could escalate the situation, and prioritize diplomatic activities to resolve all issues peacefully.
On February 21, local time, US President Biden signed an executive order to counter Russia's decision to recognize the "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic".
Sanctions included in the executive order include that no U.S. personnel may conduct investment activities in the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic", and any goods and services from this region are not allowed to be imported into the United States, from the United States. goods and services are also not allowed to be exported to the region, etc.
European Council President Michel and European Commission President von der Leyen jointly issued a statement on the evening of the 21st local time, saying that Russia violated international law and the Minsk Agreement, and the EU will impose sanctions on those involved in the "illegal act".
■ Follow
Chinese delegate calls for a reasonable solution to the Ukrainian issue through diplomatic efforts
According to Xinhua News Agency, Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, spoke at the emergency meeting of the Security Council on the Ukraine issue on the evening of February 21, calling on all parties concerned to exercise restraint and seek a reasonable solution to the Ukraine issue through diplomatic efforts.
Zhang Jun said that China pays close attention to the latest developments of the situation in Ukraine.
China has fully expounded its position in the first two meetings of the Security Council.
Under the current circumstances, all parties concerned must exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that may escalate tensions.
China welcomes and encourages all efforts to promote a diplomatic solution, and calls on all parties concerned to continue dialogue and consultation, and seek reasonable solutions to each other's concerns on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
Zhang Jun said that the development of the situation in Ukraine to the current situation is the result of a series of complex factors.
China has always decided its position on the merits of the matter itself, and advocates that all countries resolve international disputes peacefully in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held on February 22, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin answered questions from reporters on the situation in Ukraine.
Wang Wenbin said that on the morning of the 22nd, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Blinken at the request, expounding China's relevant position on the Ukraine issue.
Wang Yi said in the call that China is concerned about the evolution of the situation in Ukraine.
China's position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent. The legitimate security concerns of any country should be respected, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be upheld.
The evolution of the Ukraine issue so far is closely related to the delay in the effective implementation of the new Minsk agreement.
China will continue to make contact with all parties based on the merits of the matter.
The situation in Ukraine is getting worse.
China once again calls on all parties to exercise restraint, recognize the importance of implementing the principle of indivisibility of security, ease the situation and resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation.
follow up 1
What do you think of Russia's recognition of the independence of the two "republics" of Ukrainian East?
Zhao Huirong, director of the Ukraine Research Office of the Russian-Eurasian Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said in an interview with a reporter from the Beijing News that the integration process between Ukraine and NATO is gradually advancing. Russia judges that whether Ukraine joins NATO or not, in fact, it has already Russia poses a threat.
In addition, Ukraine is not prepared to abide by the Minsk agreement.
Therefore, in Russia's view, there is no need to entangle with the Ukrainian side, so it directly took the action of recognizing the independence of the two self-proclaimed "republics" in eastern Ukraine.
Cui Hongjian, director of the European Institute of the China Institute of International Studies, said in an interview with a reporter from the Beijing News that the purpose of Russia’s move is to maintain a favorable situation for the game with the West. Before that, Russia and the West had already experienced a round on the Ukraine issue. The game at the level of combat readiness. Now, Russia has returned the game to the origin of the problem - the issue of eastern Ukraine, in order to gain the initiative.
"Russia opposed NATO's eastward expansion with practical actions and warned other Eastern European countries that want to join NATO." Cui Hongjian said.
follow up 2
How do you expect the situation to change in the future?
Zhao Huirong said that after the situation in Ukraine ferments, the trend of confrontation between the United States and Russia in Ukraine will intensify.
Ukraine will be more affected.
From the perspective of the United States and Europe, they originally intended to sanction Russia. After this round of fermenting, the United States and Europe may further expand the scope and extent of sanctions.
Cui Hongjian said that under the tension between Russia and Ukraine for a long time before, Europe tends to ease the situation through diplomatic channels. However, at present, there is no basis for solving the Russian-Ukrainian issue through conventional diplomatic means. Next, the EU, the United States and More will turn to military deterrence and economic sanctions among Russia.
Cui Hongjian said that Europe had hoped to ease Russia-Ukraine relations through the "Normandy model" talks. At present, the "Normandy model" talks are difficult to play. The basis of the "Normandy model" talks, the new Minsk agreement has existed in name only.
Now it is necessary for the United States, NATO and other parties to return to negotiation with Russia on principled and substantive issues and respond to Russia's security demands in order to achieve progress in the negotiations.
follow up 3
Will a regional war break out in the Udong region?
Zhao Huirong believes that this round of tensions in eastern Ukraine is not over yet.
However, a large-scale war between Ukraine and Russia, and between NATO and Russia, is unlikely because both the United States and NATO have made it clear that they will not send troops into Ukraine.
The situation could then devolve into a standoff.
Cui Hongjian said that at present, whether the tension in eastern Ukraine continues to escalate mainly depends on Ukraine's response.
Although the Ukrainian government will not start a war in the first time, it is obviously facing a lot of internal pressure. It remains to be seen whether the Ukrainian side will adhere to the principle of no war.
"In addition, from the perspective of the United States and NATO, they have previously made it clear that they will not send troops into Ukraine, because Ukraine is not a member of NATO, and NATO has no defense obligation. However, the United States and NATO may continue to arm Ukraine and provide it with weapons. ammunition, these actions may further stimulate the escalation of the situation." Cui Hongjian said.
follow up 4
What is the deep background of Russia's move in terms of historical development?
Zhao Huirong said that Russia's move is a counterattack under the NATO expansion offensive, which is also the source of the contradiction between Russia and the West.
"Russia has repeatedly proposed that Ukraine's membership in NATO is a red line for Russia, and the current cooperation between Ukraine and NATO has created a direct security threat to Russia's security, so Russia will inevitably take action." Zhao Huirong said.
Li Haidong, a professor at the Institute of International Relations of the China Foreign Affairs University, said in an interview with a reporter from the Beijing News that the security structure built by NATO in Europe, led by the United States, is actually to expel Russia from Europe, which is the evil result of the geopolitical competition between major powers.
"In the US geopolitical strategy, any country that challenges its global dominance will be regarded as an opponent and will be weakened and suppressed in various ways. After the end of the Cold War, the US identified Russia as such an opponent." Li Haidong said .
【background】
In April 2014, a large-scale armed conflict between government forces and civilian armed forces broke out in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.
Civilian armed forces subsequently announced the establishment of the "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic".
In June of the same year, leaders of Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France met in Normandy, France, to discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine, forming a "Normandy model" of four-party talks.
Through the mediation of the international community, the two parties to the conflict in Ukraine reached a ceasefire agreement in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, in September 2014 and February 2015 respectively.
Since the end of last year, tensions between Russia and the West have intensified over the situation in Ukraine.
The United States and other Western countries continue to claim that Russia has assembled a large number of troops in the border area with Ukraine, intending to "invade" Ukraine.
In this regard, the Russian government said that the United States and NATO have further threatened Russia's security, and that Russia has the right to mobilize troops within its borders to defend its territory and has no intention of attacking other countries.
Since the 17th of this month, the situation in the Donbas region has suddenly escalated. The Ukrainian government and local civilian armed forces have accused each other of launching provocative shelling.
According to Xinhua
■ Explanation of terms
New Minsk Agreement
According to Xinhua News Agency, in April 2014, large-scale clashes between Ukrainian government forces and civilian armed forces broke out in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine (including Donetsk and Luhansk regions).
Through the good offices of the international community, the two parties to the conflict reached a ceasefire agreement in Minsk in September 2014 and February 2015 respectively, and the ceasefire line was established. disagreement.
The latter is the "New Minsk Agreement", also referred to as the "Minsk Agreement".
The basic content of the "New Minsk Agreement" is the same as that of the old agreement. Both take an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire as the first point, and both refer to other arrangements in the eastern conflict area in the future, such as the withdrawal of all foreign armed forces and military equipment, the holding of local elections, the restoration of economy etc.
The "New Minsk Agreement" is considered by many parties to be the basis for solving the problem in eastern Ukraine. When there were many armed conflicts in eastern Ukraine after 2015, the international community has repeatedly called on both parties to the conflict to abide by the "New Minsk Agreement".
"Normandy Mode"
In June 2014, France held an international commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. At that time, the leaders of Russia, Germany, France and Ukraine conducted a series of consultations on the situation in Ukraine during the event.
At that time, the biggest achievement of the "Normandy Model" was to facilitate peace talks between the two parties in the conflict in eastern Ukraine in Minsk.
Since then, the "Normandy Model" has been retained as a mediation mechanism.
Since the beginning of this year, with the rising tension between Russia and Ukraine, the "Normandy Model" Quartet Talks have been restarted.
According to Xinhua News Agency, on January 26, 2022, the "Normandy Model" Quartet Talks were held in Paris. Representatives of the Quartet held consultations on issues such as easing the crisis in Ukraine.
The French presidency said in a statement after the talks that the four parties said they would strengthen the work of the tripartite contact group on Ukraine (Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) to speed up the implementation of the "New Minsk Agreement."
Donbass Region
The Donbas region is located on the west side of the lower Don River, covering an area of about 60,000 square kilometers.
The Donbas region mainly includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
The populations of Donetsk and Luhansk regions have a large proportion of ethnic Russians.
In 2014, Donetsk Oblast and Luhansk Oblast respectively announced the establishment of "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic", but they have not been recognized by the international community and Ukraine.
On February 21, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the recognition of "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" as independent states.
Beijing News reporter Chen Yikai Xie Lian Zhu Yuehong Luan Ruoxi