Ukraine Cuts Ties with North Korea in Response to Recognition of "L/DNR"

, 13 July 2022, 19:31

Ukraine breaks off diplomatic relations in response to North Korea's recognition of the so-called "independence" of the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly condemns the decision of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to recognize the so-called "independence" of the temporarily occupied areas of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts by the Russian Federation," says the statement of the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleh Nikolenko.

Ukraine considers this decision as an attempt by Pyongyang to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a gross violation of the Constitution of Ukraine, the UN Charter and the fundamental norms and principles of international law.

"The North Korean regime's recognition of the "subjectivity" of the Russian occupation regimes in Donetsk and Luhansk regions is null and void. It will have no legal consequences and will not change the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine," the statement says.

In response to the unfriendly act, Ukraine declares the severance of diplomatic relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Political and economic contacts with the DPRK had been suspended due to the international sanctions imposed on this country.

"Russia's appeal to the DPRK for support in legitimizing the forceful seizure of a part of the Ukrainian territory speaks more about Moscow's toxicity than Pyongyang's. Russia has no more allies in the world, except for countries that depend on it financially and politically, and the level of isolation of the Russian Federation will soon reach the level of isolation of the DPRK. Ukraine will continue to respond swiftly and resolutely to any encroachment on its sovereignty and territorial integrity," - emphasized Dmytro Kuleba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

On Wednesday, Russian news agencies, including state ones, reported on North Korea's recognition of the independence of "L/DNR."

On June 30, Ukraine severed diplomatic relations with Syria in response to Syria's recognition of the so-called "independence" of the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.