De-escalation of Russia-Ukraine tensions immediate priority: India at UN

Voicing deep concern over the escalation of tension along the RussiaUkraine border India has told the UN Security Council that the immediate priority is deescalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countriesRussian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed decrees to recognise Ukraines regions of Donetsk and Luhansk Peoples Republics as independent escalating the tension in the region and increasing fears of Moscows invasion of Ukraine Putin has also ordered troops into eastern Ukraine in what the Kremlin called a peacekeeping missionAddressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday night Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said We have been closely following the evolving developments relating to Ukraine including developments along the eastern border of Ukraine and the related announcement by the Russian Federation The escalation of tension along the border of Ukraine with the Russian Federation is a matter of deep concern These developments have the potential to undermine peace and security of the region he said at an emergency UNSC meeting held at the request of UkraineThe immediate priority is deescalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyondiquest Tirumurti said urging for restraint on all sidesUN SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Monday voiced great concern over Russias decision saying it is a iquestviolation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United NationsHe urged all relevant actors to focus their efforts on ensuring an immediate cessation of hostilities protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure preventing any actions and statements that may further escalate the dangerous situation in and around Ukraine and prioritising diplomacy to address all issues peacefully a statement issued by the spokesperson of the UN chief saidRussias move was strongly condemned by the US which said that the decision represents a iquestcomplete rejection of Moscows commitments under the Minsk agreements directly contradicts Russias claimed commitment to diplomacy and is a clear attack on Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrityUS President Joe Biden on Monday signed an executive order blocking trade and investment in parts of Ukraine that have been recognised as independent by his Russian counterpart Vladimir PutinThe White House which described the Russian actions as blatant violation of Moscows international commitments said that economic sanctions are in the pipelineThe European Union too said it would slap sanctions on Russia for recognising Ukraines breakaway regionsRussias move comes a day after President Biden accepted in principle a meeting with President Vladimir Putin provided Russia does not invade UkraineHowever the Kremlin on Monday said it would be premature to talk about the organisation of any such meeting at the momentThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever