Finance
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday at a ceremony for the signing of treaties on the inclusion of the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics (LPR and DPR), as well as the regions of Kherson and Zaporozhye, which declared independence from Ukraine, into Russia.
“We call on the Kiev regime to cease all hostilities, stop the war it started back in 2014 and return to the negotiating table,” he said, adding, however, that Moscow will not “betray” the territories that want to become a part of Russia, RT reported.
“People have made their choice. A clear one,” Putin said, RT reported.
Putin has called on Kiev to treat the “free choice” made by the people of the four territories “with respect”.
“That is the only way for peace,” he added.
The president also warned that Russia would defend its territory using all means available and would do “everything to ensure the security of its people”.
He also promised to assist the four territories that have joined Russia in rebuilding, adding that their people would feel the support of all Russian regions, according to RT.
The ceremony on Friday marks the beginning of the formal process of the four territories’ accession to Russia. After Putin signs the treaties, they will be reviewed by the Constitutional Court and, if approved, sent to the Russian parliament’s two chambers, the State Duma and the Federation Council, for ratification. Russian lawmakers are expected to meet next week to discuss the issue.
Russia recognized the Donbass republics as independent states in February 2022, accusing Kiev of failing to implement the Minsk agreements, which were intended to give the Donetsk and Lugansk regions special status within the Ukrainian state. The protocols, brokered by Germany and France, were first signed in 2014.
Source:OCN
