UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced great concern over Russia’s decision to recognize Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as “independent”, saying Moscow’s decision is a “violation” of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

“He calls for the peaceful settlement of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in accordance with the Minsk agreements, as endorsed by the Security Council in resolution 2202 (2015)”, - reads the statement issued by the spokesperson of the UN chief.

Guterres “considers the decision of Russia to be a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and inconsistent with the principles of the Charter of the UN”, it said.

He 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”, - it added.

Following Vladimer Putin’s decision that threatens to further escalate tensions in the region, the UN Security Council, under Russia’s Presidency for the month, decided to hold an emergency open briefing on Ukraine on Monday night.