Russia and Ukraine: Putin recognizes the independence of the rebel regions of Donetsk and Luhansk and increases the West’s fears of an invasion

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  • BBC News World

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image source, Archyde.com

Caption,

Putin gave a long televised speech on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk, two regions of Ukraine controlled since 2014 by pro-Russian groups.

After a long televised speech on Monday, Putin signed the decree in which this recognition is reflected and asked the Russian Parliament to give it its approval as soon as possible.

The Kremlin had advanced this decision in a statement released shortly before, indicating that Putin had informed the leaders of France and Germany of his intention to sign a decree granting this recognition.

This decision, according to analysts, severely aggravates the existing crisis between Russia and the West over Ukraine, where it is feared that a major war might occur.

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