On February 22, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation allowed the use of the Russian armed forces abroad under the pretext of "protecting" the Russian population in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine in Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Moscow's recognition and support of the so-called "L/DPR" in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity is internationally illegal and is regarded by Ukraine as an act of armed aggression.

International law prohibits aggression, and Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are guaranteed by fundamental norms and principles of international law and a number of fundamental international instruments, including the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the Memorandum on Security Assurances in connection with Ukraine's accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, Russia's numerous obligations under bilateral agreements between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.

Ukraine calls on the international community to take immediate and tough actions against the aggressor. The lack of decisive action taken by the international community effectively gives free rein to the Kremlin.

If we fail to stop Russian aggression in Ukraine today, tomorrow Russia's military force will be used in any region of the world.