Russia announces recognition of separatist republics in Ukraine and deepens crisis

Ocidente teme que Putin esteja em busca de um pretexto para invadir a Ucrânia, como um eventual pedido de Donetsk e Lugansk por ajuda militar

The West fears that Putin is looking for a pretext to invade Ukraine, such as an eventual request from Donetsk and Lugansk for military aid| Photo: EFE/EPA/ALEXEI NIKOLSKY/KREMLIN POOL/SPUTNIK

21163048 21163048 The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, announced this Monday (21163048 ) the recognition of the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, self-proclaimed by pro-Russian separatists in in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine.

In practice, this recognition violates the Minsk Accords, puts an end to the peace process between Kiev and the separatists and increases tensions regarding a possible invasion of Ukrainian territory by Moscow.

21163048“I immediately recognize the two republics and ask the national parliament to ratify the friendship and cooperation agreements (with Donetsk and Lugansk),” Putin said in a statement. He said that a decree of recognition will be signed soon.

Before, Putin said he was in favor of complying with the Minsk Accords, which aim to resolve the conflict in eastern Ukraine and recognize the territories now controlled by separatists as part of Ukraine. Russia, like all other UN member countries, did not recognize the two republics.

Early last week, the Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament, approved a request for Putin to recognize the independence of the republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, a call reiterated on Monday by separatist leaders.

The West fears that Putin is looking for a pretext to invade the neighboring country, such as an eventual request from Donetsk and Lugansk for military aid. Separatist leaders announced “full mobilization” over the weekend; before, they had informed that they had started the evacuation of civilians.

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