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<p>The UK was one of the first countries to condemn President Putin's decision to
sign a decree making it easier for Ukrainian citizens living in non-government controlled
areas of eastern Ukraine to receive Russian passports. In a Foreign and Commonwealth
Office statement, we made clear that rather than creating further obstacles to the
reintegration of these communities into Ukraine, Russia should focus on implementing
the Minsk Agreements in full. We also challenged Russia on this directly at the UN
Security Council on 25 April, when the UK also expressed our support for Ukraine's
sovereignty. This step by President Putin is the latest in a pattern of Russian behaviour
aimed at threatening Ukraine's security and sovereignty and undermining its territorial
integrity. The Foreign Secretary continues to discuss these issues with international
partners. As the Prime Minister reiterated in a telephone call with President-elect
Zelenskiy on 23 April, the UK fully supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial
integrity. She also expressed our willingness to increase our already deep partnership
with Ukraine across a range of areas, including security.</p>
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