Putin Recognizes Independence of Donbas Separatist Regions... "Historically Russian Territory" (Summary)

Treaty of Mutual Assistance Signed with Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics
"Ukraine is a US Colony... Daily Bombardment of Donbas" Fierce Criticism

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin's official recognition of the independence of pro-Russian rebel groups in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region has further escalated military tensions surrounding Ukraine. President Putin claimed that the Donbas region historically belongs to Russian territory and declared de facto military intervention by signing mutual assistance treaties with the pro-Russian rebel groups.

According to Russia's TASS news agency on the 21st (local time), following an emergency meeting of the National Security Council convened that day, President Putin stated in a televised address to the nation, "I believe it is necessary to immediately make a decision to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR)." He added, "I request the parliament to support this decision and ratify the friendship and mutual assistance treaties with the two republics."

Subsequently, President Putin promptly signed legislation at the Kremlin recognizing the independence of the DPR and LPR and concluded treaties concerning friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance with both entities. As a result, Russia has opened the door to direct military intervention in the conflict between the Ukrainian government forces and the DPR and LPR. These two regions have been armed separatist organizations engaged in independence struggles against the Ukrainian government forces since 2014, following Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.

President Putin emphasized the necessity of Russian intervention by stating, "The Donbas region in eastern Ukraine has historically been Russian territory." He continued, "The Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly declared that it will not implement the 'Minsk Peace Agreement' aimed at resolving the conflict and has shown no interest in a peaceful resolution of the situation." He explained the background for recognizing the separatist republics by saying, "The Ukrainian government is attempting a blitzkrieg in Donbas similar to that of 2014-15, and currently, residential areas in Donbas are being shelled daily, with attack drones, heavy weapons, missiles, cannons, and multiple rocket launchers being deployed in the attacks."

He also sharply criticized the Ukrainian government, stating, "Ukraine is a puppet regime and a colony of the United States, and whether Ukraine joins NATO now or later makes no difference to Russia." Regarding recent Ukrainian remarks about reconsidering its nuclear disarmament policy, he said, "This is not empty talk," warning, "If Ukraine acquires weapons of mass destruction, it could have a tremendous impact on the global situation. We will not stand idly by."

President Putin also continued his criticism of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He claimed, "Ukraine's NATO membership and the subsequent deployment of NATO facilities are already decided matters and only a question of time," adding, "Ukraine's plan to join NATO is a direct threat to Russia's security." He further warned, "Russia has the right to take retaliatory measures for its national security and will do so."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.