Syria, following Russia, recognises the "independence" of temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO – WEDNESDAY, 29 JUNE 2022, 16:36
Syria has decided to recognise the "independence" of the Moscow-controlled pseudo-republics "DPR" and "LPR" in Ukrainian territories.
Source: Syrian state agency SANA with reference to the official statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Syria
Quote: "Applying to the common will and desire to establish relations in all fields, the Syrian Arab Republic decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Lugansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic."
Details: The source added that "negotiations will be held with both countries to agree on a framework for strengthening relations, including the establishment of diplomatic relations in accordance with existing rules."
Previously: On 16 June, Leonid Pasechnik, the Kremlin-appointed leader of the separatist militants in the temporarily occupied region of Luhansk, stated that "Syria and a number of other countries" were ready to recognise the "independence" of the Russian-occupied territories of Donbas.
Background:
- On 21 February, Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to sign a decree on the "recognition" of pro-Russian illegal armed groups in the occupied territory of Ukraine – the so-called "DPR" [self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic] and "LPR" [self-proclaimed Luhansk People’s Republic].
- In the decrees, Putin officially instructed the introduction of Russian troops into the occupied territories.
- On 22 February, the State Duma and the Federation Council of the Russian Federation ratified the agreements "on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance" with the self-proclaimed "DPR" and "LPR".
- On 24 February, Putin started a war against Ukraine under the pretext of "defending" Donbas.
