Critical Moment on the Border with Ukraine, Says UK Foreign Office

The United Kingdom's Deputy Foreign Minister, James Cleverly, stated during a UN Security Council meeting regarding Ukraine that the situation on the border with Ukraine is critical, but it is still possible to prevent conflict, according to Gazeta.ru.

He also condemned the State Duma's initiative to recognize the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. The project was supported by 351 members of the State Duma, 16 voted against it, and one abstained.

"This will directly undermine the Minsk agreements and should be rejected by the Russian authorities in line with their obligations," he said.

The diplomat noted that London has not seen evidence of Russian troop withdrawals from the border with Ukraine.