The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland firmly condemns the decision of president Vladimir Putin on the recognition by the Russian Federation of two self-proclaimed republics situated on the territory of Ukraine – the so-called “Donetsk People’s Republic” and “Luhansk People’s Republic”. It amounts de facto to Russian side’s rejection of the Minsk agreements, to which Russian Federation is part. This aggressive step is yet another violation of International Law by Russia. The decision taken by the Russian president undermines Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in an evident and unquestionable manner. 

The Republic of Poland expresses its solidarity and full support to Ukraine and calls on the representatives of the Russian Federation to cease illegal actions which constitute a flagrant breach of the fundamental principles of International law that Russia is bound to respect.  We urge Russia to de-escalate and to withdraw its armed forces deployed around Ukraine’s borders, and to refrain from taking any further military actions.

Poland and its allies will take all necessary steps which are legal under the rules of international law to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The aggression by the Russian side will be met with a resolute and far-reaching reaction from the international community, including grave political and economic sanctions.