Russia backs ‘independence’ for pro-Moscow regions in eastern Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree in Moscow recognising the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow will recognise the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. Putin signed a decree recognising the Russian-backed regions as independent.

In a televised address, Putin said Russia will recognise the independence of the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Luhansk.

These Ukrainian territories that Russia ‘recognised’ as independent, are Russian-speaking states witnessing pro-Moscow separatist movements.

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With this move, Russia can now send troops into Ukraine to supposedly safeguard what it considers two independent nations. Notably, Russia has amassed nearly 150,000 troops along Ukraine’s eastern and northern borders.

In a long, pre-recorded message, Putin claimed that Ukraine's admission to NATO is a direct threat to Russia's security.

He said the recent events had been a cover for the swift deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine.