Russia deploys troops into Eastern Ukraine, West imposes sanctions

World leaders are moving quickly to impose a forceful response to Russian President Vladimir’s Putin’s order to deploy troops to separatist regions of Eastern Ukraine.

Overnight, Putin officially recognized the independence of two break-away Ukrainian republics: Donetsk and Luhansk.

Russian-backed separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions — collectively known as the Donbas — broke away from Ukrainian government control in 2014 and proclaimed themselves independent. The two regions had been unrecognized as independent until now.

In response on Tuesday, Germany took steps to halt the process of certifying the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia. The pipeline is a massive and lucrative deal long sought after by Russia.

The European Union soon imposed sanctions taking aim at the 351 Duma legislators who voted in favour of recognizing separatist regions in Ukraine.

It also targeted 27 other Russian officials with institutions from the defense and banking industry and took steps to limit Russia’s access to EU capital and financial markets.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also hit five Russian banks and three wealth individuals with sanctions.

The White House called Putin’s troop deployments an “invasion.” It says U.S. President Joe Biden is ordering new sanctions that will prohibit new investment, trade and financing in the two regions.

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Tweeted, condemning Putin’s order:

Canada strongly condemns Russia’s recognition of so-called “independent states” in Ukraine. This is a blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and international law. Canada stands strong in its support for Ukraine – and we will impose economic sanctions for these actions.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 21, 2022