Putin Recognises Independence of Russian-Occupied Enclaves in Ukraine’s Donbas

President Putin has decided to recognise the independence of two breakaway areas of Ukraine controlled by Russian-forces. Speaking in a long address to the nation, Putin confirmed that he had signed the decree recognising the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic areas as independent states.

Putin was warned earlier in the day that if he follows through with this move to recognise the independence of two self-declared republics in Ukraine’s Donbas, the EU is likely to impose sanctions.

“If there is annexation, there will be sanctions, and if there is recognition, I will put the sanctions on the table and the ministers will decide,” the EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.

However, Putin ignored the warning.

And before making his announcement on TV, he told France’s and Germany’s leaders over the phone that he had made the decision, the Kremlin confirmed earlier.

France and Germany are key mediators between Ukraine and Russia over the conflict in the Donbas region.

Western states fear such a move could be used as a pretext for Russia to invade Ukraine because, since 2019, Russia has issued large numbers of passports to people living in the two regions.

There are fears that Russia might send troops into Ukraine’s east under the guise of protecting its own citizens.

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