LAST UPDATE: 11:35
Russia’s lower house (State Duma) will begin talks on a proposal to formally recognize separatists in Ukraine’s Donbass, a move that, if approved, could hamper peace efforts and fuel tensions in the wider region.
According to Bloomberg, its chairman, Vyacheslav Volodin, said that the State Duma council will decide on Monday how to proceed with a proposal made in January to vote on a proposal to President Vladimir Putin calling on him to recognize the so-called Democratic Republics in Donetsk and Lugansk.
Russia has supported the breakaway region militarily and financially since its formation in 2014, although it officially denies it and supports a peace plan calling for their reintegration into Ukraine.
Formal recognition could complicate efforts to implement the pact and possibly pave the way for Moscow to openly supply more weapons to those areas, something the ruling party has already proposed. The timetable for any moves towards recognition remains unclear.
The United States has reiterated its intention to impose “rapid, serious costs” on Russia if the Kremlin launches any offensive, as Germany and France make diplomatic efforts to restore peace in eastern Ukraine. President Joe Biden said conditions in the area could “derail very quickly”.
At the same time, Russia and Belarus have begun their largest joint military exercises in years, which will last until February 20. The exercises take place near the borders of Ukraine, as well as those of NATO members, Poland and Lithuania.
Moscow has repeatedly denied planning an attack on Ukraine, after the United States and NATO warned that the gathering of nearly 130,000 troops near the Ukrainian border could be a preparation for an invasion as early as this month.
The Kremlin accuses the West of trying to undermine Russia’s security by bringing Ukraine closer to NATO.
Russia is asking Ukraine to negotiate with the separatists
Russia has agreed to further talks with France, Germany and Ukraine on the conflict in eastern Ukraine, but has said Ukraine must commit to negotiating with the separatists, a “red line,” the Elysee said on Friday. .
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
