For seven years Ukraine has been locked in a bloody civil war with separatist factions in the Donetsk and Lugansk provinces fighting for independence with the support of Russia, which borders both provinces. The war has so far claimed the lives of over 14,000 people, with seemingly no end in sight.
The conflict has now entered a new phase with Russian president Vladimir Putin signing a decree officially recognizing the Independence of both the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic. This decision follows resolutions recently passed in the Russian parliament calling for Putin to recognize the self declared countries.
In recent weeks Russia has built up a force of over 150,000 troops on its borders with Ukraine. This has led western nations to warn of a possible Russian invasion. Russian military forces are now expected to officially enter the newly recognized states to further strengthen their security.
The USA and its allies have warned of harsh economic sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine. Whether the USA and its allies will treat Russian troops officially entering the newly recognized states on the invitation of the separatist governments as an act of invasion is yet to be determined.
