Russia recognises Donbas separatists’ documents

Under a decree signed on 18 February 2017 by President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Federation recognised the documents issued to Ukrainian citizens and stateless persons by the governments of the ‘people’s republics’. The decree covers: identity cards, education and/or qualification certificates, civil status documents, and vehicle registration documents.

The decree emphasises the humanitarian aspect of the regulations and their temporary nature—they will remain in force until the situation in Donbas has been politically settled “on the basis of the Minsk Agreements”. The names of the ‘people’s republics’ are not mentioned; instead reference is made to “certain regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts of Ukraine.”

The decree has been severely criticised by representatives of Ukraine, the USA, France and Germany, according to whom it is in contradiction to the Minsk Agreements, places Russia in the position of a party to the conflict, and may be a sign that it will recognise the independence of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Judy Asks: Can the Minsk Agreement Succeed? http://www.europeansources.info/record/judy-asks-can-the-minsk-agreement-succeed/

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