President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Monday undermined the United States (US), European Union (EU), others, over the mounting tension in Ukraine, deploying troops on peace mission in eastern Ukraine, where two regions broke out of Ukraine. The Russian President also recognised the independence of the separatist territories in eastern Ukraine.
Putin directed the defence ministry to take up “the function of peacekeeping” in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions.
The Russian President, though issued decrees, did not indicate details or date for the deployment of troops. However, the order indicated that it “comes into force from the day it was signed”.
Russia has stationed tens of thousands of soldiers in regions near Ukraine’s borders, as US and its allies raised alarm that Russia plans to invade Ukraine any moment.
President Putin, had in the same document, directed Russian foreign ministry to “establish diplomatic relations” with the “republics”.
Russia’s lower House of Parliament, in a statement declared that the agreement, “creates a legal basis for the presence on the territory of Russian military formations, whose presence is necessary to maintain peace in the region and ensure reliable security”.
Russia and the separatist republics agreed to share military bases and jointly protect their borders, the Russian lawmakers said.
The Russian President earlier on Monday, urged Ukraine to suspend all military operations against the separatists in eastern Ukraine, or face more bloodshed.
President Putin recognized the Donetsk and Lugansk republics on Monday.