Blinken warns Russia on Ukraine issue

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken on Wednesday criticized the vote by Russia’s lower house of parliament asking President Vladimir Putin to recognize two Russian-backed breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent, calling it illegal.

Enactment of the resolution would undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, violate international law, call into question Russia’s stated commitment to continue to engage in diplomacy and necessitate a swift and firm response from the United States in full coordination with our Allies and partners, Blinken said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Russia said on Wednesday it was returning more troops and weapons to bases, yet another gesture apparently aimed at easing fears it is planning to invade Ukraine, even as the US said the threat of an attack remained.

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