Russia has acquired the right to build military bases in two breakaway regions of Ukraine under a new agreement with their separatist leaders.
This is stated in a copy of the agreement signed by President Vladimir Putin with pro-Kremlin separatist leaders published on Monday (21/2).
As is known, previously Putin signed a decree to recognize two regions in eastern Ukraine that had broken away. By this decree, the Luhansk and Donetsk regions proclaimed themselves the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic.
The two territories are now independent states defying Western warnings that such a move would be illegal and kill long-running peace negotiations.
Russia and the breakaway region also plan to sign separate agreements on military cooperation and border protection, according to a bill that will be considered by the lower house of the Russian Duma parliament on Tuesday.
