China News Agency, Washington, February 21 (Reporter Chen Mengtong) After Russia announced its recognition of the two "republics" in eastern Ukraine, US President Biden signed an executive order on the 21st to prohibit US companies and individuals from investing, trading and financing activities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order on the evening of the 21st to recognize the "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic" in eastern Ukraine.
In April 2014, a large-scale armed conflict between the Ukrainian government forces and local 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".
Through the mediation of the international community, the two parties to the conflict reached a ceasefire agreement in Minsk, the capital of Belarus, in September 2014 and February 2015 respectively. Since then, large-scale armed conflicts have been brought under control, but small-scale exchanges of fire have occurred from time to time.
The White House said in a statement on the 21st that Russia's move violated the Minsk agreement, violated its diplomatic commitments, and undermined Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to this executive order, U.S. citizens will be prohibited from conducting new investments, direct or indirect import and export trade, and related financing and guarantee activities in the above-mentioned regions.
At the same time, U.S. government agencies are authorized to impose sanctions on individuals who violate the ban.
Biden first spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that day and reiterated his support for Ukraine.
After that, he had phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Scholz to discuss the "next step" on how to deal with Russia's actions.
In both calls, Biden "strongly condemned" the Russian side's above-mentioned actions.
Senior White House officials said at a briefing on the 21st that the executive order signed by Biden that day was not among the sanctions measures coordinated by the United States and its allies.
The U.S. side will continue to seek diplomatic means, but is "prepared to respond decisively when a crisis arrives."
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