Foreign Minister Bohdan Aurescu on Wednesday condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent statements on mobilization and referendums, saying they only exacerbate the situation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs considers it necessary for states to preserve unity, News.ro reports.

Minister Bohdan Aurescu, who on Wednesday took part in the ministerial meeting of the Group of Friends of Mediation, which took place on the sidelines of the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, strongly condemned the actions recently announced by the Russian leadership regarding partial mobilization, support for so-called referendums from illegally occupied separatist territories, and the threat of using forces using nuclear weapons.

“The minister emphasized that these actions only exacerbate the situation, and emphasized the need for the entire international community to maintain unity and solidarity in rejecting these actions and putting pressure on Russia to respect the principles of international law and the rules-based order.” This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday evening.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization in Russia on Wednesday.

Putin warned that Russia will use all means at its disposal, adding that those who try to use nuclear blackmail against Russia will find that everything can backfire.