Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognized the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine in an emotional address on state-run television, despite warnings from the West this could trigger sweeping sanctions.
“I believe it is necessary to take a long overdue decision, to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic,” he said.
State broadcasts then showed Putin signing mutual aid and friendship agreements with rebel leaders in the Kremlin.