"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland firmly condemns the decision of president Vladimir Putin on the recognition by the Russian Federation of two self-proclaimed republics situated on the territory of Ukraine – the so-called 'Donetsk People’s Republic' and 'Luhansk People’s Republic,'" the Polish foreign ministry said in a statement late on Monday.
It added that Putin's decision "amounts de facto to the Russian side’s rejection of the Minsk agreements, to which the Russian Federation is part."
"This aggressive step is yet another violation of international law by Russia," the statement said in English. "The decision taken by the Russian president undermines Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in an evident and unquestionable manner."
The Polish foreign ministry also said that Poland "expresses its solidarity and full support to Ukraine and calls on the representatives of the Russian Federation to cease illegal actions which constitute a flagrant breach of the fundamental principles of International law that Russia is bound to respect."
The statement urged Russia "to de-escalate and to withdraw its armed forces deployed around Ukraine’s borders, and to refrain from taking any further military actions."
The foreign ministry in Warsaw said that Poland and its allies "will take all necessary steps which are legal under the rules of international law to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine."
"The aggression by the Russian side will be met with a resolute and far-reaching reaction from the international community, including grave political and economic sanctions," the statement concluded.
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau in a tweet called on Russia "to refrain from any kind of military engagement to implement this unfortunate decision, and take into account long-term consequences for international relations."
The United States and its European allies are on Tuesday expected to announce harsh new sanctions against Russia in response to Putin's decision to formally recognise the two breakaway regions, the Reuters news agency reported.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, gov.pl, Reuters