Putin recognizes Donetsk and Luhansk independence from Ukraine.

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday evening the recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk from Ukraine.

He then signed a decree formally recognizing the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic

The signing ceremony of the two documents took place in the Kremlin, in the presence of the presidents of Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasechnik, heads of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics.

Putin also signed with Pushilin and Pasechnik two separate agreements on friendship, cooperation and assistance between Russia and Donetsk and Luhansk.