US President Joe Biden ordered to prohibit investment and trade with Ukraine's breakaway regions. According to the White House, Joe Biden has signed an executive order that prohibits new investment, trade and financing by US persons to, from, or in the so-called Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic regions of Ukraine that on Monday were recognized independent by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The recognition of the two rebel regions may pave the way for Russia to send troops to Donetsk and Lugansk in order to protect them from Ukraine.
According to White House press secretary Jen Psaki, the order will "also provide authority to impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine." Psaki added that Biden's administration was planning to take additional measures that the US and its allies had prepared for Russia. She specified that these would be severe economic sanctions. Earlier that day, Joe Biden held a meeting with his national security team at the White House. He also had a 35-minute call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The White House will continue to consult with allies and partners, including Ukraine, on the next steps that Russia may take.
