The heads of the “DPR” and “LPR” asked Putin to help “repel the aggression” of Ukraine

The heads of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics ("DPR" and "LPR") Denis Pushilin and Leonid Pasechnik appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin with a request to help "in repelling the aggression of the armed forces and formations of Ukraine." This is reported by TASS with reference to the press secretary of the Russian leader Dmitry Peskov.

“The heads of the two republics, in connection with the current situation, and also in order to prevent civilian casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe, on the basis of Articles 3 and 4 of the treaties of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the Russian Federation and the republics, ask the President of Russia to assist in repelling the aggression of the armed forces and formations of Ukraine,” Peskov said.

on the agency’s telegram channel The appeals themselves were published , both dated February 22. They claim that the forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are striking, including on infrastructure facilities, and they also talk about the death of civilians. “Currently, Kyiv continues to build up its military presence on the line of contact, receiving comprehensive support, including military support, from the United States of America and other Western states,” Pasechnyk said in a statement.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba said that the country, in connection with the appeals of the heads of the "DPR" and "LPR" to Putin, requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. He stated that these appeals are "a further escalation of the situation."

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the "DPR" and "LPR" on February 21. The next day, the Federation Council gave consent to the Russian leader for the use of the Russian Armed Forces in the "LDNR". The decision was taken unanimously. It is assumed that Putin himself will determine the length of stay of the RF Armed Forces outside Russia, their total number, areas of operations and tasks.

Updated 01:28 - Dmitry Kuleba's statement added