Russia's recognition of Ukraine rebel regions as independent may be a calculated act by the president to create a pretext for invasion, Nanaia Mahuta says.
Nanaia Mahuta says the recognition of two rebel regions undermines Ukraine's territorial integrity. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
She said that would be a clear act of aggression.
President Vladimir Putin told his defence ministry earlier today that it should deploy "peacekeeper" troops into the two breakaway regions, Donetsk and Luhansk, shortly after he announced recognition for Russia-backed separatists there.
Mahuta said the recognition further undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and erodes efforts towards finding a resolution.
It was also a violation of international law.
The minister renewed the call for urgent diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said New Zealand would look to send a message through a travel ban.
"Of course, everyone wants to see a descalation, everyone wants to see diplomacy work. It is deeply concerning to see that ongoing escalation."
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Russia should move its troops behind its borders and stop threatening its neighbours.
Morrison said the suggestion the troops were peacekeeping was nonsense.
Australia would be in lockstep with its allies over any sanctions on Russia, he said.
"Russia should step back. It should unconditionally withdraw. It's unacceptable, it's unprovoked, it's unwarranted," he said.
Meanwhile, Russia's recognition of the two breakaway regions has prompted an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, due to take place in New York this afternoon.
Several countries requested the meeting and Ukraine has demanded that its representatives attend, even though it is not one of the 15 nations on the Security Council.
Russia, like the other four permanent members, has a veto on any resolutions.
Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline with Russian separatists in Donetsk region. Photo: AFP
Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's foreign minister, said he has spoken again to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ahead of a meeting in Washington.
"Key topic: sanctions. I underscored the need to impose tough sanctions on Russia in response to its illegal actions," he tweeted.
President Volodymyr Zelensky made the point in his TV address earlier that Ukraine will be looking for more than just talk.
"It is very important to see now who is our true friend and partner, and who will continue to scare the Russian Federation with words," he said.
"We are not afraid", he said, while also saying that Ukraine wants peace and supports a political and diplomatic settlement.
In an address to the nation. he accused Russia of wrecking peace efforts.
He said Ukraine's international borders will remain as they are no matter what Russia says.
Zelensky also said Ukraine's international borders would remain as they were no matter what Russia said.
- RNZ / BBC