Ukraine-(Berberanews)-President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia will decide today whether or not to recognize the independence of two breakaway areas in eastern Ukraine.
Despite a ceasefire deal, Russian-backed rebels in Donetsk and Luhansk have been battling Ukrainian troops in Donetsk and Luhansk since 2014.
On Monday, the leaders of both regions urged Russia to recognize their independence.
Western governments, on the other hand, are concerned that such a move could be used as a pretext for Russia to invade its neighbor.
Since the beginning of 2019, Russia has issued a large number of passports to residents of the two regions.
According to analysts, if the two areas are recognized as autonomous, Russia may send soldiers into Ukraine’s east to protect its inhabitants.
Russia has amassed more than 150,000 troops on Ukraine’s borders, a move largely interpreted by Western countries as a prelude to an invasion. Russia has vehemently denied any such ambitions.
According to Russian media, Mr Putin will deliver a televised address to the nation on Monday evening, but no specific time has been announced.
Mr Putin said he was considering recognising both breakaway territories as states during a televised meeting of the Russian security council on Monday.
“The objective of our meeting today is to listen to colleagues and decide on our next steps in this area,” Mr Putin said.
“I refer to both the heads of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic’s appeals to Russia for recognition of their sovereignty,” he continued.
