Russian ambassador told DNR/LNR still part of Ukraine, recognition breaks international law

Russia’s recognition of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) in Ukraine’s Donbas region has no international legal effect, Deputy Foreign Minister Martin Smolek told Russia’s Ambassador to Czechia Alexander Zmeyevski at an audience in the Czernin Palace in Prague on Wednesday. Both territories are still part of Ukraine, Mr Smolek said, reiterating that Russia is breaking basic principles of international law and several international agreements with its actions. He also called on Russia to deescalate violence in Eastern Ukraine and return to the negotiating table.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský said that further EU sanctions on Russia are ready to be put into action if the state chooses to escalate the situation further. He also reiterated that it is important to continue to look for a diplomatic solution.