(Reuters) – The Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops in two eastern Ukraine regions that have been declared independent by Western countries.

Click to view a list of excerpts from Putin’s speech.

Below are some quotes by world leaders reacting to Russia’s actions.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELESKIY:

“We will continue to pursue the peaceful diplomatic route, and we are fully committed. However, we live on our land and aren’t afraid to be in danger. We owe no one anything, and will not give any to anyone.

“We are looking forward to receiving clear and efficient support from our partner.”

“It’s important to know who is really our friend and partner and who will continue scaring the Russian Federation through words.”

BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER LIZ TRUSS

Putin’s acceptance of “Donetsk People’s Republic”, and “Luhansk People’s Republic”, as independent states is a clear disregard for Russia’s Minsk commitments. This recognition… signaled an end to Minsk.

This is Russia’s determination to take the path of confrontation instead of dialogue. Our response will be coordinated with our allies. We won’t allow Russia to violate its international obligations unpunished.”

SPOKESPERSON JEN PSAKI WHITE HOUSE SPOKESPERSON:

“We anticipated Russia’s move, and were ready to act immediately.

Biden’s executive order will ban U.S. investment in, trade, or financing of the DNR and LNR region areas of Ukraine.

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL JENS StOLTENBERG

Moscow is continuing to fund the conflict by supporting the separatists with financial and military aid. The Russian government is trying to create a false pretense to invade Ukraine again.

“This undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, erodes efforts towards a resolution of the conflict, and violates the Minsk Agreements, to which Russia is a party.”

JAPANESE CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY HIROKAZU MATSUNO:

“These acts violate Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, are against international law, and are completely unacceptable.”

MELANIE JOLY, CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

Canada will respond with all its partners and allies to this gross disregard for international laws.

“We’re preparing economic sanctions to punish these activities, in addition to those ready to react to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine.”

SOUTH KOREA PRESIDENT MOON JAE-IN

Respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be maintained. Dialog is the best way to find a peaceful solution.

“It is never desirable for the Ukraine crisis to deteriorate into an armed conflict, which runs counter to the expectations of the international community.

“It would have an immense political and economical impact not just in Europe, it also across the globe.”

AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER MARISSE PAYNE

“The Australian government condemns President Putin’s declaration today that the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine are independent states.

“This flagrantly undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and has no validity under international law.

“We also condemn President Putin’s announcement that Russia is deploying so-called ‘peacekeepers’ to eastern Ukraine. They aren’t peacekeepers.

“The Australian government is coordinating closely with the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and other governments around the world to ensure there are severe costs for Russia’s aggression.

“Along with our partners, we are prepared to announce swift and severe sanctions that would target key Russian individuals and entities responsible for undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

CHINA’S U.N. AMBASSADOR ZHANG jun:

“All parties concerned must exercise restraint, and avoid any action that may fuel tensions.”

KENYA’S U.N. AMBASSADOR MARTIN KIMANI

Multilateralism is on the verge of extinction tonight.

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY:

Russia’s recognition of Donetsk Republics and Luhansk Republics constitutes a violation not just of Minsk agreements but also Ukraine’s political unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

“We reject Russia’s so-called decision.”

(Complied and edited by Clarence Fernandez; Lincoln Feast).