Russian President Vladimir Putin today announced his decision to recognize the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” as independent, provoking strong reactions from the West.
What are the split areas?
The pro-Russian separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk – collectively known as Donbass – seceded from the Ukrainian government in 2014 and declared themselves independent “People’s Republics”, hitherto unrecognized by another country. Since then, Ukraine has reported that about 15,000 people have been killed in clashes in the two regions. Russia has denied any involvement in the conflict, but has reportedly backed the separatists in various ways, including through covert military support, financial aid, the supply of Covid-19 vaccines and the issuance of Russian passports to some 800,000 people. Moscow has so far categorically denied plotting to invade Ukraine.
What does recognition by Russia mean?
For the first time, Russia has stated that it does not consider Donbass a part of Ukraine. This paves the way for Moscow to send troops to the breakaway regions, citing the fact that it is intervening as an ally to protect them against Ukraine. Russian lawmaker Alexander Borodai told Reuters last month that the separatists could then turn to Russia to help them take control of areas of Donetsk and Luhansk that are still under Ukrainian control. That, of course, would lead to an open military conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
What will be born with the Minsk peace process?
Russia’s recognition of the independence of the so-called “Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” effectively puts an end to the Minsk agreements, which, although not implemented, were seen by all parties (including Russia) as the best opportunity to resolve them. of the crisis. The agreements provided for a high degree of autonomy for the two specific regions of eastern Ukraine.
How will the West react?
For months, Western countries have been warning Moscow that any Russian military incursion into Ukrainian territory would elicit a strong response, including severe financial sanctions.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said last week that the recognition “would further undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a gross violation of international law and would further challenge Russia’s commitment to in diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution to this crisis “. He said he would demand an “immediate and strong” response from the United States and its allies.
Has Russia recognized other breakaway regions in the past?
Yes, Russia has recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, two territories that seceded from Georgia after the 2008 war.
What are the pros and cons for Moscow?
In the case of Georgia, Russia has used the recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia to justify an unrestricted military presence in the neighboring former Soviet republic, in a bid to thwart Georgia’s ambitions to join NATO. . He aspires to do something similar in the case of Ukraine.
On the other hand, Moscow is facing sanctions and international condemnation for abandoning the Minsk process after long declaring that it was committed to it. At the same time, Russia will be responsible for two areas that have been devastated by an eight-year war and need huge financial assistance.
Source: Capital
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