Ukraine's interior minister calls for ban on Sberbank of Russia

Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov has said that Sberbank of Russia, a state-owned banking and financial services company, should stop its work in Ukraine.

Censor.NET reports referring to Avakov's Facebook page.

Read more: Ukraine has Donbas plan with no concessions to Putin, - Avakov

"Russia's Sberbank has announced it has started servicing customers with passports of the so-called "DPR/LPR" ... I wonder how much time it will take for the National Bank of Ukraine to introduce sanctions against Sberbank of Russia that operates in Ukraine? I believe the National Bank has to immediately respond to this!" Avakov wrote.

Read more: US Embassy to Ukraine says Russia's recognition of "DPR"/"LPR" documents inconsistent with Minsk deal, troubled by increased fighting in Donbas

"Sberbank of Russia should stop its work in Ukraine. Let them enjoy the "financial paradise" under the laws of the self-styled "DPR" and "LPR." The bank that supports actions being at odds with international law, that supports the condemned by the world community recognition of documents of the puppet regimes and annexation of Ukrainian territories can not operate in Ukraine!" the minister said.

Read more: "France regrets this decision," - French foreign ministry on Russia's decision to temporarily recognize "DPR"/"LPR" IDs

On Feb. 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on the recognition of documents issued to the citizens of Ukraine and stateless persons living in the territory of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.

President Petro Poroshenko said he regarded such move as another proof of Russia's occupation and violation of international law.

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine declared that the recognition of "DPR/LPR" documents by Russia contradicts the goals of the Minsk agreements.