Reportedly, Russia offered a sign of de-escalation along the Ukraine border by announcing that some troops have pulled back.
According to a report, Russian mp’s have urged the president to recognise the Donetsk people’s republic and the Luhansk people’s republic as independent. Both make up the Donbas region where russian backed separatists, possibly mercenaries have been fighting the Ukraine government since 2014.
According to the report, two resolutions were presented to the lower house, one for recognition with immediate effect, the second to be sent to the foreign ministry for study and feedback. Reportedly, the speaker of the lower house said that recognition would guarantee the security and protection of the people of the republics from external threats, and will initiate the process of international recognition of both states. According to the report, he accused Ukraine of a complete economic blockade of the two areas.
According to the report, deputies of Russia consider recognition of the Donetsk people’s republic and the Luhansk people’s republic justified. Reportedly, such recognition would be the death knell to the minsk protocol, mentioned between the russian and french president in a telephone call at the weekend.
According to a report, the minsk protocol comprises of a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of military equipment and mercenaries, dialogue on interim self government, amnesty for fighters, humanitarian assistance, Ukraine to restore control of state border and constitutional reform in Ukraine, including decentralisation, with particular reference to Donetsk and Luhansk.