Kiev says it will break off diplomatic relations with Syria without breaking consular relations in response to Damascus' decision to recognize the LNR and DNR. The Ukrainian MFA said in a statement on Thursday.
"The Ukrainian foreign ministry strongly condemns the decision of the Syrian Arab Republic to recognize the so-called "independence" of the temporarily occupied territories in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. <...> In response to this unfriendly act, Ukraine declares breaking off diplomatic relations with Syria without breaking off consular relations," the Ukrainian foreign ministry said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday.
"The Ukrainian side also begins the procedure of imposing a trade embargo on Syria, as well as the imposition of other sanctions against Syrian legal entities and individuals," the department added.
As explained in the foreign ministry, the Ukrainian authorities consider the decision of Syria "as an unfriendly act against Ukraine, an infringement of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, a gross violation of Ukrainian legislation, the UN Charter and the fundamental norms and principles of international law."
According to the foreign ministry, the Ukrainian side closed the embassy in Damascus back in 2016, and also in 2018 told to close the embassy of Syria in Kiev. The Ukrainian embassy in Lebanon protects the interests of Ukrainians in Syria.
On Wednesday, a representative of the Syrian foreign ministry said that the Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. According to the diplomatic office, contacts will be established with the LNR and DNR to agree on a framework for strengthening relations, including the establishment of diplomatic relations.
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Based on materials from TASS