Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow recognized the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics (DPR and LPR) within the boundaries specified in their constitutions, that is, within the borders of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Thus, he put an end to the issue of the borders of the Donbass republics recognized by Moscow. The Russian leader stated this during a press conference broadcast by the Rossiya 24 TV channel on YouTube.
The head of state stressed that Russia recognized all the fundamental documents of the republics, including the constitution, which spelled out the borders of the DPR and LPR at the time when they were part of Ukraine.
“But we expect, I want to emphasize this, that all controversial issues will be resolved during negotiations between the current Kiev authorities and the leadership of these republics,” Putin said.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said that Moscow recognizes the republics within their current borders, in which local authorities exercise their powers and jurisdiction. “[Речь идет о] the boundaries within which the leadership of the DNR and LNR exercises its power and jurisdiction,” commented the Deputy Foreign Minister.
On Monday, February 21, Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the DPR and LPR and instructed the country’s Armed Forces to maintain peace in the republics.
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