Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the deployment of ‘peacekeepers’ in eastern Ukraine after the two rebel-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk were recognized as independent states.
In a televised speech on Monday night (February 21), President Putin recognized Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. Earlier, he signed a decree recognizing the two regions as independent states.
In his speech, Putin said he had decided to recognize the sovereignty of the isolated regions of Ukraine. Former Ukraine was once Russian territory. He is confident that the Russian people will support his decision.
Western leaders, meanwhile, have warned Russia not to recognize Donetsk and Luhansk. Moscow took this decision ignoring the warnings.
However, they claimed that Putin's announcement effectively undermined the peace process in the region. Diplomats fear the move could trigger a confrontation with Russia's Western-backed government.
According to international media reports, Putin informed French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Shultz of his decision. But in a telephone conversation, the two heads of state disagreed. Putin has been seen signing agreements with pro-Russian Kremlin leaders.