Putin on the Russian army in Donbass: If necessary, we will fulfil our obligations

MOSCOW, Feb. 23 (YPA) – Commenting on the approval of the Council of the Russian Federation to use the army in Donbass, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that Moscow would fulfil its obligations if necessary.

“The Minsk agreements no longer exist, we have recognized the Republics of Lugansk and Donetsk,” Putin said, noting “it was not easy to reach a compromise on the Minsk agreements and it was a realistic path towards a peaceful settlement.”

He affirmed that the efforts of the current Kiev authorities had ended the Minsk agreements, and the agreements had died long before Russia recognized the Lugansk and Donetsk popular republics.

Russia has worked under the Minsk agreements for nearly eight years and has been interested in implementing them.

“Russia’s recognition of the Lugansk and Donetsk republics means the recognition of all documents, including the constitution that refers to the borders of the two republics,” Putin said.

E.M