Ukraine says will consider breaking ties with Russia

By Iclal Turan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine's president said Tuesday that Kyiv is considering breaking off diplomatic relations with Russia after its recognition of Ukraine’s breakaway regions of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent states.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told a press conference in Kyiv along with his Estonian counterpart Alar Karis that Ukraine's Foreign Ministry had suggested this move.

He added that he has been in contact with the leaders of many countries, including the US, Britain, Germany and France.

Zelenskyy urged friendly nations for "quick help," stating that the “strongest help is sanctions" on Russia.

“We don't have to wait for the escalation to happen,” he said.

The sanctions should include shutting down the Russian-led Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe, he said.

“Nobody wants war. Even in Ukraine people want only peace. But we have to be ready for every possible steps,” he added.

Russia on Monday recognized the breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine where Moscow has been supporting separatist forces for the past seven years.

The US, with its European allies, has said Russia is setting the stage to invade Ukraine after having amassed over 100,000 troops and heavy equipment in and around its neighbor.

Russia has denied it is preparing to invade and instead accuses Western countries of undermining its security through NATO’s expansion toward its borders.