Russian parliament ratifies recognition of Ukraine's breakaway regions

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) – Both chambers of the Russian parliament, the Council of Federation and the State Duma, on Tuesday unanimously endorsed the recognition of Ukraine's breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states.

At separate extraordinary plenary sessions, parliamentarians unanimously supported a decision made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, which ratified Russia's treaties of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance with the separatists.

Valentina Matvienko, the head of the Council of Federation, commented on the move, saying it is "Russia's way to stop the civil war in Ukraine."

In a separate statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia recognized Donetsk and Luhansk "within the borders they proclaimed themselves."

The spokesman said the Western and Ukrainian reactions were predictable. However, he said, a possible breakup of diplomatic ties with Ukraine would be "undesirable."

"The breakup of diplomatic relations would be an extremely undesirable scenario, which would probably make everything even more difficult, and most importantly, not only for the states but also for the peoples of the two countries," he said.

Peskov did not confirm the information about the arrival of Russian troops in Donbas but stressed that the decision about the military assistance will be made based on the situation.

"I repeat once again: the main goal is to save the lives and ensure the safety of the people of DPR (Donetsk People's Republic) and LPR (Luhansk People's Republic) and others, who are constantly subjected to provocations and aggressive actions by the Armed Forces of Ukraine," he said.

On Monday, Putin announced in a televised address to Russians that he had made a decision to recognize Donetsk and Luhansk as sovereign states and signed the relevant decree.