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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Samantha Lock (now); Jennifer Rankin , Lauren Aratani and Elias Visontay (earlier)

Luhansk and Donetsk regions recognised as as independent states by Russia – as it happened

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Lithuanian prime minister Ingrida Šimonytė has said Russian president Vladimir Putin’s move to recognise two separatist pro-Moscow regions in Ukraine puts “Kafka & Orwell to shame”.

Putin just put Kafka & Orwell to shame: no limits to dictator’s imagination, no lows too low, no lies too blatant, no red lines too red to cross.

What we witnessed tonight might seem surreal for democratic world. But the way we respond will define us for the generations to come.”

Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis also tweeted that Russia’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk “proves a total contempt for international law & UN charters.”

Lithuanian prime minister, Ingrida Šimonytė.
Lithuanian prime minister, Ingrida Šimonytė. Photograph: Mark Thomas/REX/Shutterstock

He added that Russia “must be recognised for what it is: a state outside international rules & civilised norms,” and he called for other nations to respond with sanctions.

Updated

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