Italian PM warns EU 'preparing sanctions' over Putin’s rebel move
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Tuesday attacked Russia's recognition of two Ukraine rebel republics and warned that sanctions by the EU were underway.
"This is an unacceptable violation of Ukraine's democratic sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Draghi as he addressed the Council of State, which oversees administration in Italy.
"I am in constant contact with allies to find a peaceful solution to the crisis and avoid a war in the heart of Europe," he said.
READ ALSO: German Chancellor says Putin’s rebel move ‘will not go unanswered’
"The path of dialogue remains essential, but we are already defining within the European Union measures and sanctions against Russia."
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two rebel Ukrainian regions and signed decrees ordering Russian "peacekeepers" to support their claims.
With troops having allegedly crossed the border into Ukraine, there are fears that Putin is paving the way for a wider invasion.
Western leaders have placed initial sanctions on Russia following the breach.
Unlike most of its Western neighbours, Italy has historically relatively friendly ties with Putin, backed by strong, long-standing investments by Italian corporations in Russia.
Putin recently stressed the importance of energy industry ties between Russia and Italy, which is one of the European countries most reliant on imports of natural gas.
But since becoming prime minister in February 2021, Draghi has stressed Italy's commitments to the EU and NATO.
The leaders of France, Germany and the United States on Monday condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise rebel-held areas in east Ukraine as independent, calling it a "clear breach" of the Minsk peace agreements.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden agreed that “this step will not go unanswered”.
The three Western allies also vowed not to let up in their commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
Praising the restraint shown by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the latest developments, they added that they will “do everything in their powers to prevent a further escalation of the situation”.
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"This is an unacceptable violation of Ukraine's democratic sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Draghi as he addressed the Council of State, which oversees administration in Italy.
"I am in constant contact with allies to find a peaceful solution to the crisis and avoid a war in the heart of Europe," he said.
READ ALSO: German Chancellor says Putin’s rebel move ‘will not go unanswered’
"The path of dialogue remains essential, but we are already defining within the European Union measures and sanctions against Russia."
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two rebel Ukrainian regions and signed decrees ordering Russian "peacekeepers" to support their claims.
With troops having allegedly crossed the border into Ukraine, there are fears that Putin is paving the way for a wider invasion.
Western leaders have placed initial sanctions on Russia following the breach.
Unlike most of its Western neighbours, Italy has historically relatively friendly ties with Putin, backed by strong, long-standing investments by Italian corporations in Russia.
Putin recently stressed the importance of energy industry ties between Russia and Italy, which is one of the European countries most reliant on imports of natural gas.
But since becoming prime minister in February 2021, Draghi has stressed Italy's commitments to the EU and NATO.
The leaders of France, Germany and the United States on Monday condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise rebel-held areas in east Ukraine as independent, calling it a "clear breach" of the Minsk peace agreements.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US President Joe Biden agreed that “this step will not go unanswered”.
The three Western allies also vowed not to let up in their commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
Praising the restraint shown by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the latest developments, they added that they will “do everything in their powers to prevent a further escalation of the situation”.
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