National security adviser Jake Sullivan told a top Ukrainian official on Sunday that any individual or entity who supports Russia’s annexation of regions in eastern and southern Ukraine will face “severe” consequences. 

Sullivan met Andriy Yermak, head of the office of Ukraine’s president, in Istanbul on Sunday, according to a statement from the White House, two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of four regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.

“Mr. Sullivan underscored the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He conveyed that the United States and its allies and partners will not be deterred by Russia’s flagrant violations of international law, including the United Nations Charter, and will impose severe costs on any individual, entity, or country that provides support to Russia’s purported annexation,” the statement said.

Russia’s annexation came eight months into the war and was announced despite Ukraine making significant gains in some of the territories Russia now claims. The U.S. has said it will never recognize any of the areas as being Russian territory, and Ukraine has looked to use the declaration to rally international support to defeat Russia.... Read More: The Hill