Last step before annexation. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the independence of the Ukrainian regions of Zaporizhia and Kherson, according to presidential decrees issued Thursday night, on the eve of the finalization of their annexation by Russia.
“I order to recognize state sovereignty and independence” of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, located in southern Ukraine, Vladimir Putin said in these decrees.
The Russian president is preparing to formalize this Friday the annexation of these two regions, as well as those of Donetsk and Lugansk, in the Donbass region.
contested referendums
Russia recognized the independence of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), at the request of their pro-Russian separatist leaders, in late February, shortly before the start of its offensive in Ukraine.
In September, the Zaporizhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk regions organized “referendums”, denounced by Kyiv and the West as illegitimate, voting in favor of joining Russia. A ceremony to formalize this annexation will take place this Friday afternoon in the Kremlin.
Source: BFM TV
