English Section

Biden condemns Russia’s 'fraudulent attempt' to annex Ukrainian territory

30.09.2022 22:00
US President Joe Biden on Friday condemned Russia’s "fraudulent attempt" to annex four regions of Ukraine, accusing Moscow of violating international law, "trampling on the United Nations Charter" and "showing its contempt for peaceful nations."
US President Joe Biden.
US President Joe Biden.Photo: EPA/JIM LO SCALZO

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed documents on Friday to incorporate Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions into Russia at a televised ceremony in the Kremlin.

"The United States condemns Russia’s fraudulent attempt today to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory," Biden said in statement.

"Russia is violating international law, trampling on the United Nations Charter, and showing its contempt for peaceful nations everywhere," he added.

"Make no mistake: these actions have no legitimacy," he also said, declaring that the United States "will always honor Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders."

"We will continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to regain control of its territory by strengthening its hand militarily and diplomatically, including through the $1.1 billion in additional security assistance the United States announced this week," Biden vowed.

He also said in his statement that the United States, its allies and partners were announcing new sanctions "in response to Russia’s phony claims of annexation."

These sanctions "will impose costs on individuals and entities — inside and outside of Russia — that provide political or economic support to illegal attempts to change the status of Ukrainian territory," according to the statement.

"We will rally the international community to both denounce these moves and to hold Russia accountable," Biden said. "We will continue to provide Ukraine with the equipment it needs to defend itself, undeterred by Russia’s brazen effort to redraw the borders of its neighbor."

He also said he was looking forward to signing legislation from Congress that will provide an additional $12 billion to support Ukraine.

"I urge all members of the international community to reject Russia’s illegal attempts at annexation and to stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as it takes," Biden concluded.

(gs)

Source: PAPwhitehouse.gov