Celebrations in Donbass following Putin recognition
The people of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republic are celebrating Russia's recognition of the independence of their republics.
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People celebrating in Donbass, February 21, 2022
People in the Donbass region celebrated Monday the recognition of Russian President Vladimir Putin of the independence of the People's Republic of Donetsk and the People's Republic of Lugansk.
На площади. pic.twitter.com/rRgC02Ym3r
— Донецк Сегодня (@City_Donetsk) February 21, 2022
Ликование в Донбассе после решения Путина признать независимость ДНР и ЛНР pic.twitter.com/leoOwKHqok
— НТВ (@ntvru) February 21, 2022
Those celebrated their newly declared recognition by waving Russian flags and setting off fireworks amid cheering in support of the Russian decision.
Watch | Celebrations started in #Donetsk after #Russia officially recognized it as an independent Republic. #Donbass #Ukraine #Putin pic.twitter.com/b4PQ0nNiSm
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 21, 2022
In light of the latest rounds of tensions that followed Russian President Vladimir Putin's declaration that Moscow intended to recognize the independence of the DPR and LPR, Vladimir Putin addressed Russia in a televised speech.
More people are coming out to celebrate #Putin's decision in #DPR and LPR. pic.twitter.com/pnxDkRh4G0
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 21, 2022
At the end of his speech, Putin recognized the independence of the Donetsk People's Republic and Lugansk People's Republic.
"I sign the decree to recognize Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics," he announced.
Ukraine had repeatedly shelled the Donbass region with 120mm mortars, which are banned under the Minsk accord.
The DPR Ministry of Emergency Situations said Saturday Donetsk had already evacuated 6,600 people, including nearly 2,500 children, over a dramatic escalation of tensions with Ukraine.
More than 40,000 refugees have arrived in the Rostov region, south of Russia, from Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics due to the constant Ukrainian violation of ceasefires.
Some of the most intensive shelling by Kievv forces during the recent months took place on the morning of February 17, while the self-proclaimed Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) and Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) announced a general mobilization in the two republics.
