Ukraine breaking off diplomatic relations with Pyongyang over recognition of DPR, LPR

MOSCOW. July 14 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the decision of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics, Ukrainian media said with the reference to the ministry statement made on Wednesday.

"We view this decision as an attempt of Pyongyang to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and a flagrant violation of the Ukrainian constitution, the UN Charter and fundamental norms and principles of international law. Ukraine announces that it breaks off diplomatic relations with the DPRK in response to such an unfriendly step," the ministry said.

The North Korean regime's recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions as "subjects" is void, will have no legal consequences and will not change the internationally recognized borders of Ukraine, it said.

The ministry added that Ukraine has neither political nor economic contacts with the DPRK due to international sanctions against this country.

"Of course, we will give a very harsh response at all levels. This kind of news does not require additional comments. Everything is obvious," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his comments on the Pyongyang decision in a video address in the early hours of Thursday.