"The latest actions of the Russian Federation are a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. All responsibility for the consequences in connection with the mentioned decisions rests with Russia" - the statement of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
Full text of the statement:
Dear citizens of Ukraine!
We and our state have no time for long lectures on history.
I will not talk about the past. I will speak of the realities and the future.Behind me is Ukraine. Within its internationally recognized borders.And they will remain so. Despite any statements and actions of the Russian Federation.
Just as we remain calm and confident.For this I want to thank all our citizens.You prove time and again that Ukrainians are a smart and wise nation.
And despite everything - they keep a cool head, react calmly, deliberately, maturely. We have been ready for everything for a long time.
But there is no reason for your sleepless night.
Tonight we held a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
Ukraine unequivocally qualifies the latest actions of the Russian Federation as a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state. All responsibility for the consequences in connection with the mentioned decisions is placed on the political leadership of Russia.
Recognition of independence of the occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions may mean Russia's unilateral withdrawal from the Minsk agreements and disregard of the Normandy decisions. This undermines peace efforts and destroys existing negotiation formats.
With today's and tomorrow's possible decisions, Russia is legalizing its troops, which have actually been in the occupied areas of Donbas since 2014.
A country that has supported war for eight years cannot support peace, as it claims.
I have discussed the situation with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, U.S. President Joseph Biden, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and European Council President Charles Michel. I also plan to talk to Turkish President Recep Erdogan.
What will happen next? We want peace and we are consistent in our actions. Today the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sent a request to the UN Security Council member states based on the Budapest Memorandum demanding immediate consultations.
I have initiated the convening of a meeting of the UN Security Council, a special meeting of the OSCE.
We insist on the full work of the OSCE SMM to prevent provocations and further escalation.
An emergency summit of the Normandy quartet has been initiated.
We expect clear and effective steps of support from our partners.
It is very important to see now - who is our true friend and partner and who will continue to intimidate the Russian Federation with words.
We are committed to a political and diplomatic settlement and do not yield to provocation.
Our borders are reliably protected, a system of territorial defense has been established.
Our partners support us. In accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter Ukraine reserves the right to individual and collective self-defence.
We distinguish well between provocations and an attack by the aggressor's troops.
We have the truth behind us. And we will never hide the truth from you.
As soon as we see a change in the situation. As soon as we see an increase in the risks, you will know all of this.There is no reason to act chaotically right now.We will do everything we can to keep it that way.We are committed to the path of peace and diplomacy.And we will pursue it and only it.
But.
We are on our ground.
We are not afraid of anything or anyone.
We don't owe anything to anyone.
And we won't give up anything to anyone.
And we are sure of that.
Because it's not February 2014, it's February 2022.
Another country.
A different army.
One goal.
It is peace.
Peace in Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!
