Counterattack on Putin; Zelensky signed the application to join NATO, Biden also gave a befitting reply

Russia on Friday annexed four regions of Ukraine, including Luhansk and Donetsk. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself announced this. With the signing of President Vladimir Putin's letter of acceptance, all four regions of Ukraine formally became part of Russia. With this move of Russia, western countries including Ukraine are seen on the backfoot. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country is submitting an "expedited" application to join the NATO military alliance, AP news agency reported. 

Asked to sign the application

Zelensky (Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy) said that we are taking our decisive step by signing Ukraine's application to join NATO. However, the news agency AP said in its report that it was not clear what this 'expedited' application would mean. 

Zelensky reiterates commitment to acquire territories

Zelensky added that we have already proven compatibility with NATO coalition standards. We trust each other, we help each other and we protect each other. So it is an alliance. Simultaneously, Zelensky reiterated his pledge to regain all Russian occupied territories. He said – the entire region of our country will be freed from the enemy. Not only this, while responding to Putin's call for talks, Zelensky said that we are ready for talks with Russia, but..With the second president of Russia.

Biden made a shameless attempt

On the other hand, US President Joe Biden said that the US will never recognize Russian claims on the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Also termed Russia's move as a 'shameless' attempt. In a statement issued by the White House, it has been said that this so-called referendum was a sham. The results were made by Russia. The true will of the Ukrainian people is evident every day as they are sacrificing their lives to protect their country's independence. 

likely to intensify conflict

Vladimir Putin also stressed that he would not return the territories annexed to Russia. This is the largest event in Europe to annex the territories of another country after the Second World War. This move of Russia has been rejected by Western countries. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a violation of the UN Charter, while all 27 EU member states said they would never accept a referendum conducted by Russia in these areas. This development has raised fears of further escalation of conflict between Russia and Ukraine.