Russian Duma to debate Donbas status as France proposes security pact with Russia

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - In Brief 21 Jan 2022 by Alex Teddy

On January 21 it was announced that the Russian parliament will hold a debate next week on recognizing Donbass and Luhansk as independent countries. That is despite some pro-Putin politicians saying that such a move would cause a full-scale war with Ukraine. Donbass and Luhansk are Russian-speaking regions in east Ukraine. They fell out of the control of the Ukrainian government in 2021. Donbass and Luhansk declared themselves to be people's republics several years ago. The Communist Party has asked Putin to recognize the people's republics. Putin's spokesman said the proposal was opportunism. It is not a foregone conclusion that lawmakers will vote to recognize Donbass and Luhansk as independent countries. South Ossetia and Abkhazia are breakaway regions of Georgia that are recognized by Russia but by no other country. Luhansk and Donbass would then be in a similar situation. There is a growing support in the Russian parliament for recognition. The Speaker of the Duma said guaranteeing the safety of Donbass and Luhansk is crucial. People in Donbass can obtain Russian citizenship very easily.The Kremlin has refused to release a statement on recognizing Donbass and Luhansk.On January 21 the US Secretary of State and the Russian Foreign Minister are meeting in Geneva. The talks in Switzerland are an attempt to de-escalate the situation.Biden has warned that a full-scale war against Ukraine will be a ''disaster for Russia''. The US and EU have vowed to impose severe sanctions. Turkey has a fairly good relationship with Russia but it, too, has warned Russia not to invade Ukraine.The US Secretary of State has held talks in Berlin with EU and British leaders. He assured them...

Now read on...

Register to sample a report

Register