Russia recognizes independence of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson regions

Russia has recognized the independence of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin's decrees published by the official database of legislative information on Friday, Report informs, citing TASS.

According to the documents, the Russian president's decision is based on 'universal principles and norms of the international law, acknowledging and confirming the principle of equality and self-determination of peoples enshrined by the UN Charter', and with regard to the 'will of the people' expressed in a referendum.