In a move that could raise tensions and spark fears of an attack, the Russian parliament asked President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to recognize two Ukrainian breakaway provinces.
If President Putin approves the measure, it would be an attack on the Minsk peace process. Over 15,000 people have been killed in the conflict.
The Russian parliament passed a vote on Friday endorsing the recognition of the two regions in Ukraine, with the House Speaker insisting the two need to be recognized as independent.
As a result of Russia’s support for the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, the State Duma wants them recognized as independent from the rest of Ukraine.
As reported by the outlet, Kremlin spokeswoman Dmitry Pesko said the region is important to the Russian Federation and that the country is still supportive of the peace process.
Ukraine is accused of not upholding its end of the agreement by the State Duma.
Vyacheslav Volodin said, “Kyiv is not observing the Minsk agreements. It is our duty to support our citizens and compatriots in the Donbass.”
1000,000 troops are at Ukraine’s border with western nations believing that fearing Russia could invade at any moment, according to the Russian parliament’s proposal.
As Russian president Vladimir Putin maintains his intent not to attack the region, most western countries have closed their embassies in Ukraine.
In a warning to Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba claimed that the peace agreement would end if Russia recognized Ukraine.
Kuleba said that if the recognition decision is made, Russia will de facto and de jure withdraw from the Minsk agreements, including all the consequences that that would entail.
