WASHINGTON, D.C. Feb 16 (Interfax) - The United States believes that the recognition of the self-proclaimed Donbas republics by Russia would amount to Moscow's rejection of its commitments under the Minsk Agreements, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday.
"The Russian Duma has stated that it plans to send to President Putin an appeal to recognize the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics as 'independent.' To be clear: Kremlin approval of this appeal would amount to the Russian government's wholesale rejection of its commitments under the Minsk Agreements," Blinken said in a statement circulated by the U.S. Department of State.
"Enactment of this resolution would further undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a gross violation of international law, call into further question Russia's stated commitment to continue to engage in diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution of this crisis," he said.
If Russia does recognize the republics, this would "necessitate a swift and firm response from the United States in full coordination with our Allies and partners," he said.