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Separatist leaders in eastern Ukraine appealed to Russian president Vladimir Putin for help fighting Ukrainian forces on Wednesday, the Kremlin said, a dramatic step that could open the way for Moscow to deploy troops there.
The two self-proclaimed republics sought “help in repelling the military aggression of the Kyiv regime,” according to texts published by state-run Tass. They cited articles of the treaties Mr Putin signed with the separatist leaders on Monday that include taking “all available measures” to counter threats to peace.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a late-night televised address on Wednesday that Mr Putin had not responded to a request to speak by phone. Mr Zelenskiy said Ukraine posed no threat to Russia but would defend itself if attacked.
Mr Putin has for months sustained a large troop buildup on the Ukraine border, with the US estimating about 150,000 soldiers are now in the area, alongside artillery and tanks. Russia has repeatedly rejected US allegations that Putin intends to invade Ukraine.
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“Hear us, Ukraine wants peace, the government of Ukraine wants peace. Wants and does everything it can,” Mr Zelenskiy said. He added Mr Putin’s support for the separatists “could become the first step to a big war on the European continent.”
Meanwhile it was reported that the White House said the G7 leaders would hold a virtual meeting on Thursday to discuss the situation with Russia and Ukraine. – Bloomberg and Reuters