US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken released a statement Wednesday condemning the Russia Duma’s resolution to recognize the independence of “so-called” Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republics (LPR) as “independent.” The statement follows a Tuesday vote by the Russia Duma asking President Vladimir Putin to recognize the independence of the two quasi-states in separatist-controlled eastern Ukraine.

Members of the Russia Duma argued that recognition of the DPR and LPR provides a greater foundation for security and protection of the people living there. The region has been under the control of pro-Russian separatist groups since 2014. In an effort to calm tensions in the region, several countries–including Russia–signed the Minsk agreement in 2015. The agreement called for a ceasefire in the region and laid out a plan for its reintegration. Russia Duma members asserted that the Ukraine government is now in violation of the Minsk agreement.

Blinken’s statement, however, strongly refutes that argument. Blinken says Kremlin approval of the appeal would result in a wholesale rejection of Russia commitments under the Minsk agreement.

Blinken said: “Enactment of this resolution would further undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a gross violation of international law, call into further question Russia’s stated commitment to continue to engage in diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution of this crisis . . . .”

Blinken also said that enactment of the resolution would be met with a “swift and firm” response from the US with the support of its allies and partners.