President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has said Russia will recognise the independence of two territories of eastern Ukraine, the self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) and the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR).
Following a televised address aired on the country’s state-run news channel, Putin joined the leaders of the LPR and DPR to sign a decree recognizing the independence of the two territories.
Putin said: “I consider it necessary to take a long overdue decision. To immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic.
‘’I am asking the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to support this decision and then ratify treaties of friendship and mutual assistance with both republics.
“And we demand those who took over and retain the power in Kyiv to immediately stop combat activity.
‘’Otherwise the responsibility of continuing the bloodshed will lie on the shoulders of the Ukrainian regime.”
The West has repeatedly warned Russia not to recognise the separatist regions in Donetsk and Luhansk, a move that effectively buries a fragile peace process in the region.
