A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing the independence of the separatist-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas area, state media reported Russia’s upper chamber of parliament approved the use of armed forces outside of the country.
US President Joe Biden described the events in Ukraine as “the beginning of a Russian invasion” on Tuesday and announced what he called a “first tranche” of sanctions against Russia.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he canceled his Thursday meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as “it does not make sense to go forward.”
What you need to know: – EU foreign ministers and G7 foreign ministers agreed to respective sanction packages against Russia.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany is halting the certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK is imposing sanctions on five Russian banks and three wealthy individuals. – Australia,
