Putin on recognition of republics in Donetsk and Luhansk sovereignty
25.02.2022
Russkiy Mir Editorial
Photo credit: kremlin.ru
Vladimir Putin addressed his speech to the Russian citizens on recognition of the sovereignty of the Donetsk and Lugansk People'sRepublics in order to stop the bloodshed in the Donbas. He called on the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to support this decision and ratify the treaties of friendship and good-neighbourly relations with both republics. Here is an excerpt from his speech:
I want to say clearly and directly that in the current situation, when our proposals for an equal dialogue on fundamental issues have actually remained unanswered by the United States and NATO, when the level of threats to our country is increasing significantly, Russia has every right to take retaliatory measures to ensure its own security. That is exactly what we will do.
As for the Donbas situation, we watch how the ruling elite in Kiev constantly and publicly declares its unwillingness to implement the Minsk Package of Measures to resolve the conflict, and is not interested in a peaceful solution. On the contrary, it aims to organize a blitzkrieg in Donbas again, as it has already happened in 2014 and 2015. We all remember, how have all these adventures ended.
As of now, not a single day goes by without shelling of settlements in Donbas. The recently formed large military force makes use of attack drones, heavy equipment, missiles, artillery and multiple rocket launchers. The killing of civilians, the blockade, the abuse of people, including children, women and the elderly, continues unabated. As we say, there is no end in sight to this.
How long can this tragedy continue? How much longer can one put up with this? Russia has done everything to preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity. All these years, it has persistently and patiently pushed for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2202 of February 17, 2015, which consolidated the Minsk Package of Measures of February 12, 2015, to settle the situation in Donbas.
Everything was in vain. Presidents and Rada deputies come and go, but deep down the aggressive and nationalistic regime that seized power in Kiev remains unchanged. It is entirely a product of the 2014 coup, and those who then embarked on the path of violence, bloodshed and lawlessness did not recognise then and do not recognise now any solution to the Donbas issue other than a military one.
In this regard, I consider it necessary to take a long overdue decision and to immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. I would like to ask the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to support this decision and then ratify the Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance with both republics. These two documents will be prepared and signed shortly.
We want those who seized and continue to hold power in Kiev to immediately stop hostilities. Otherwise, the responsibility for the possible continuation of the bloodshed will lie entirely on the conscience of Ukraine’s ruling regime.
As I announced the decisions taken today, I remain confident in the support of Russia’s citizens and the country’s patriotic forces.
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