The Finnish Presidency stated: “We do not recognize Russia’s annexation of any Ukrainian regions and will respond in the European Union to its actions.”

A White House spokesman said: “Today, the administration of US President Joe Biden is expected to respond to Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian regions by imposing new sanctions.”

This statement was made after Russian President Vladimir Putin some time ago signed an agreement with the political leadership of the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions on the accession of the Quartet districts to the Russian Federation.

During the signing ceremony, Putin emphasized that “Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions have become Russian”, noting that “the accession of four new regions to the Russian Federation expresses the popular will of millions”, and emphasized that “the authorities will determine the political future in the world and the future is a struggle.” For our people and for great historical Russia.