Putin made a long speech describing the historical background of Ukraine, and at the end he announced the recognition of the two breakaway Republics, saying it was long over due. People celebrated in the streets and in the buildings, as fireworks went off in the cities.
This recognition also mandates that the original borders of the two Oblast states are horned. Which means that it encompasses a huge area 3 times larger than the areas they now live in. Through the years the Ukrainian military has been pushing them further and further back, miles in fact, until their capital cities were on the line of contact.
This meant that as the people were waiting to hear the announcement from Moscow, the Ukrainian military were still firing shells in the area hitting apartments and bus stops. This recognition of the two Republics means they are seen as independent and sovereign states, and not part of Russia. But as friends, they will then come to their aid in times of war.
The big question is, will Ukraine stop their attacks? Or will they continue killing the people in those areas? It is quite possible that within hours the Russian military will target the Ukraine forces with a variety of powerful weapons.
Here are a few statements from that speech Putin made, and other comments from this historic event. Plus a few videos of what is going on in the area.
Putin: "We are ready to show you what true de-Communization means to Ukraine."
According to the General Secretary of the Russian Communist Party Zyuganov, Russian troops will be deployed to the LPR and DPR after their recognition.
Putin mentions that he will not allow Ukraine to have nuclear weapons. Calling them a threat to Russia.
U.S. and NATO have embarked on shameless development of Ukraine as a theater of potential military operations - Putin
Putin: "For the past month, there has been a steady stream of Western weapons to Ukraine." Mentions NATO training missions too. Says "NATO headquarters can directly command Ukrainian troops."
Putin: talking to us "why do you want to make an enemy out of us!
says back in 2000 when president Bill Clinton was in Moscow, he asked how would it look Russia joining NATO, Clinton said USA would not allow, NATO does not need such a big and independent nation in NATO, no matter what Russia does.
"Ukraine joining NATO is a matter of time." "The risk of a sudden strike on Russia will be increased several times." Next comes Putin saying that he will not allow such a thing. "We don't want to believe it, but it's true." NATO's weapons could hit Russia as deep as Volgograd, Kazan, Astrakhan. Radars will penetrate as far as the Urals.
"Long-range missiles would cover all of Russian territory. Reaching Moscow would be within half an hour to five minutes by hypersonic missiles. That is a knife to our throat."
Entrance of #Ukraine into @NATO has been decided in advance, claims Putin.
"Sanctions will always come, no matter what we do. Just because we exist." Putin
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaQHNqqA4h8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Crowds cheering in Donbas, fireworks are set off and singing and flags waving throughout the republics tonight
Putin: If NATO deploys radars in Ukraine, they will be able to control Russian territory
#Putin: #Russia has the right to take actions to protect ourselves and we plan to do that
I DEEM IT NECESSARY TO DECLARE INDEPENDENCE for DONBASS!
WE DEMAND THE HOSTILITIES TO STOP IMMEDIATELY! Putin
LNR + DNR have been recognized as republics. Also friendship and mutual help agreement will be signed. Kiev has been demanded to stop the armed conflict, or there will be huge consequences.
Not only did he do it, he said "It should have been done along time ago."
https://imgur.com/0jW6FLd
Putin says "We demand that #Kyiv halts hostilities immediately, if not then they will bare all consequences"
Putin's decision on Donbass completely changes the world order - Serbian President