LONDON, (Reuters) –Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the breakaway areas of Ukraine. This is a violation of international law according to Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister.

Johnson was still speaking when Putin signed an order recognising independence for the Luhansk-Donetsk region. This increased the stakes in a situation the West is afraid could lead to a war.

“I have just gathered that Vladimir Putin effectively stated that Russia has recognized the two breakaway republics Donetsk, and Lugansk. This obviously violates international law. Johnson stated that it was a “flagrant violation” of Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity at a press conference.

It is repudiation and discredit of the Minsk Process and Minsk Agreements, which I believe it to be a very bad sign and an omen.

After Putin signed the decree Liz Truss (British foreign minister) said it violated U.N Charter. This signalled the end of the Minsk process – a group of agreements that were designed to end a separatist warfare by Russian speakers in east Ukraine.

She stated that Russia will be punished for violating its international obligations.

Johnson indicated that he was willing to meet with Volodymyr Zilenskiy the Ukrainian President, and offered Britain’s assistance.

Johnson was asked if it was time to place sanctions against Russia. He said that he would wait and watch what happened in the eastern Ukraine.

“I have stated before that the sanctions package will be activated with the first Russian incursion, or Russian invasion. He stated that the news is “extremely bad”.

“It’s becoming obvious that we need to begin applying pressure because it is hard for us to see how this situation improves.”