The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration has condemned the recent proclamation in Donetsk of the so-called Malorossiya or “Little Russia”, a new country that separatists in eastern Ukraine hope will eventually overtake Ukraine, IPN reports, with reference to a press release of the Ministry.

The Ministry considers this is open defiance of the generally recognized international law principles and a new threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and to regional security. It reiterates that the Republic of Moldova respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders.

Alexander Zakharchenko, leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, earlier announced that they intend to found a new country that will include not only the areas controlled by them, but also the rest of Ukraine. Malorossiya will have its capital in Donetsk.