Biden to issue executive order banning trade in Ukrainian breakaway regions

White House press secretary Jen Psaki announced Monday that President Biden will issue an executive order banning trade in two breakaway areas of Ukraine, following Russian leader Vladimir Putin recognized their independence just hours earlier.

The areas, in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, now identify as the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic. The Kremlin has supported separatist militias the regions for eight years.

"We have anticipated a move like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately," Psaki said in a press release. "President Biden will soon issue an Executive Order that will prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine."

Biden's order will also allow sanctions to be imposed on "any person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine," Psaki wrote.

The White House stressed that the order is separate from any other sanctions that may be imposed on Russia.

"To be clear: these measures are separate from and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures we have been preparing in coordination with Allies and partners should Russia further invade Ukraine," Psaki said.

The White House has stressed diplomacy and threatened sanctions as a deterrence, despite the Biden administration also saying it believes Putin has made his decision to invade Ukraine. 

About 150,000 Russian troops are reportedly now surrounding Ukraine.