Moscow:
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow is considering recognizing the independence of eastern Ukraine’s two separatist republics, a move that would further escalate the Ukraine crisis.
The rebel leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk earlier on Monday made a coordinated appeal to Putin for Moscow to recognize them.
The Russian parliament has also asked Putin to recognize pro-Moscow separatist areas, which declared their independence from Kiev’s rule after the 2014 pro-EU revolution in Ukraine.
“Our aim is to listen to our colleagues and determine our next steps in this direction, taking into account both the calls from the leaders of the DNR and the LNR to recognize their independence,” Putin said, using the abbreviations for the two separatist regions.
Putin made his remarks during an unscheduled meeting of the Russian Security Council, which includes the country’s top defense and security officials.
The rebels called for recognition as the crisis in Ukraine sharply escalated on Monday and fears mounted that Russia is paving the way for an all-out invasion of its western neighbour.
“I ask you to recognize the sovereignty and independence of the People’s Republic of Lugansk,” separatist Leonid Pasechnik said in a video broadcast on Russian state television.
Denis Pushilin, the rebel chief of the Donetsk People’s Republic, made a similar appeal.
“On behalf of all the people of the Donetsk People’s Republic, we ask that you recognize the Donetsk People’s Republic as an independent, democratic legal and social state,” Pushilin said.
He said the move could potentially “prevent civilian casualties”, accusing Ukraine of planning an attack, which Kiev has firmly denied.
Pushilin also asked Putin to agree a “friendship deal” with the breakaway territory, including defense cooperation.
Washington has said that Moscow’s recognition of the territories “would be a gross violation of international law”.
The West accuses Russia of preparing to attack Ukraine after surrounding it with more than 150,000 troops.
Russia has denied planning an invasion.
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