Russia’s parliament has approved President Vladimir Putin’s decision to formally recognize the separatist republics of eastern Ukraine.
Mr Putin yesterday recognized the breakaway regions of the “Donetsk People’s Republic” and the “Luhansk People’s Republic” in eastern Ukraine as independent states.
With the support of parliament and the decision, Russia will send troops to the two regions, build military bases and jointly defend them.
Russia’s lower house of parliament, the Duma, unanimously approved the decision, and all lawmakers applauded.
“This is the only way to save the people, to prevent war and humanitarian crisis, and to bring peace,” said Vyacheslav Volodymyr, speaker of the lower house.
Following the decisions of the lower house, the Federation Council of the Meshrano Jirga also approved the decisions.
“This decision has been awaited for a long time,” said Valentina Matuenko, chairwoman of the council, according to AFP. Today, the ratification of these agreements will start a new life for the people of Donetsk and Luhansk.”
The United States, Britain, the European Union and others have condemned Russia’s move and imposed new sanctions on the region.
