Russia: State Duma sends appeal to Putin for recognising Donetsk, Lugansk republics

 Russian State Duma accepted a resolution at its session to send a draft appeal by Russia's lower house of parliament to President Vlimir Putin on recognising Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR). It was proposed by Communist party. On January 19, group of Communist Party of Russian Federation submitted a draft petition to State Duma.  As per TASS, with 351 votes in favour, 16 votes against, and one abstention, decision was approved.

Russian Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stated that resolution will be signed immediately and transmitted to he of state. lawmaker said that it would be sent to Russian President Vlimir Putin to study subject of recognising Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic as self-sufficient, sovereign, and independent entities. speaker continued by saying that  Minsk Agreements have been broken by Kyiv and that in Donbas, residents require help and support.

Protecting residents of republics from external threats

He furr stated that recognition of DPR and LPR will create grounds for ensuring security guarantees and protecting residents of republics from external threats, as well as for bolstering international peace and regional stability in accordance with goals and principles of United Nations Organization's Charter, and will pave way for process of internationally recognising both states.

lawmakers believe it is necessary to suggest to Russian president that he consider holding talks with leership of DPR and LPR as soon as possible for purpose of creating a legal framework of inter-state relations that regulates all aspects of cooperation and mutual assistance, including security issues.

'President is completely responsible for recognition or non-recognition'

Leonid Kalashnikov of Communist Party, who is a member of State Duma Committee stated that petition did not imply recognition of republics is going to happen and that president is completely responsible for recognition or non-recognition, according to TASS. He furr said that  idea of DPR and LPR leers turning to president is not ruled out.