Jeff Mason

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden will soon issue an executive order that prohibits economic activity between the United States and two regions in eastern Ukraine recognized by Russian President Vladimir Putin as separate entities.

Putin could have recognised rebel-held regions and allowed Moscow to send military troops to the two areas – Donetsk, Luhansk. Moscow might argue that this is an intervention to help them fight Ukraine.

Jen Psaki, White House spokesperson said: “We anticipated Russia making this move. We are prepared to immediately respond.” The President Biden is expected to issue an Executive Order soon that bans U.S. investment in, trade, financing, or travel from the DNR, LNR, regions of Ukraine.

Psaki explained that this order would “also give authority to impose Sanctions on any individual determined to operate within those areas of Ukraine.”

Psaki stated that more steps were being taken and added they were independent of the sanctions which the United States and its allies had been planning in case Russia invades Ukraine.

She stated, “To make it clear, these are not the same as and would be apart from the rapid and severe economic actions we have been preparing with Allies and Partners should Russia invade Ukraine further.”

Biden met with his national security staff at the White House earlier today and held a brief call for 35 minutes with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zilenskiy. He also had a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps and on Russia’s ongoing escalation along the border with Ukraine,” Psaki said.