Ukraine breaks diplomatic relations with Syria, imposes a trade embargo and other economic sanctions against Syrian legal entities and individuals. This was said in a statement by the Foreign Ministry in response to Syria's recognition of the "independence" of the so-called "LNR/DNR".

"In response to this unfriendly act, Ukraine declares breaking diplomatic relations with Syria without breaking consular relations, according to Article 2 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963. The Ukrainian side also begins the procedure for imposing a trade embargo on Syria, as well as the imposition of other sanctions against Syrian legal entities and individuals," the statement reads.

Ukraine considers Syria's decision as an unfriendly act against Ukraine, an encroachment on its sovereignty and territorial integrity, a gross violation of Ukrainian law, the UN Charter and the fundamental norms and principles of international law.

"We have no doubt that the Syrian regime is trying to give pseudo-subordination to the Russian occupation administrations in Donetschina and Luhanschina at the order of their handlers in the Kremlin. Our position is clear - we react as tough as possible to any attempts to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and defend it by all available means, including on the diplomatic front," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed.