The deputies of Russia’s State Duma have ratified the agreements with the "Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics" on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance at their plenary session, Report informs referring to RIA Novosti.
The Russian Foreign Ministry explained that the country recognizes the "LPR" and "DPR" within the boundaries within which the leadership of the republics exercises its powers.
On February 21, President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of the "DPR" and "LPR", and also instructed to ensure the maintenance of peace in the republics. The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that this decision was made on the basis of the provisions of the UN Charter.