Decree of the President of the Russian Federation

by Chris Black

On the recognition of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics

1. Whereas Ukraine has rejected the Minsk agreements and a peaceful settlement to the conflict, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics are recognized as sovereign and independent states, in accordance with the will of their people.
2. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will establish diplomatic relations with the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics. 
3. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will reach a formal agreement on friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance with the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.
4. By the invitation of the heads of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republic, the Russian Armed Forces will be deployed in their territory to conduct peacekeeping operations.
5. This decree comes into effect immediately. 

Vladimir Putin

President of the Russian Federation

Moscow – Kremlin

21 February 2022

The Russian Armed Forces will be deployed on the “borders of the republics,” meaning on the front lines with the Ukrainian army. 

Permanent Russian military bases will be established on the territory of Donetsk and Lugansk. 

Ukraine still considers the Donbass to be its rightful territory – security council secretary