Moscow: Russia-backed separatists Ukraine inaugurated its “embassy” in Moscow on Tuesday as the Kremlin moves forward with its offensive in the western country.
President Vladimir Putin Ukraine recognized the independence of the separate regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, just days before Moscow ordered the start of intervention on 24 February.
On Tuesday, the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic unveiled its “embassy” in central Moscow, next to the diplomatic missions of several Western countries.
Top Russian officials did not attend the ceremony amid tight police presence.
Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Breakaway Zone, Natalya NikanorovaSaid that the situation on the ground had worsened in recent days so he opted for a modest ceremony.
Separatist officials have long said they want their territories to eventually join RussiaBut Nikanorova said on Tuesday that the main goal was to “liberate the republic”.
“After that there will be a referendum,” she told reporters during a joint appearance with the DNR “ambassador”, Olga Makeyeva,
In late June, Moscow ally Syria also recognized the independence of Ukraine’s two separatist regions, making it the first state other than Russia to do so.
Nikanorova said the separated region is now in talks with North Korea on possible recognition.
The unveiling of the separatists’ representative office took place on the 139th day of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
President Vladimir Putin Ukraine recognized the independence of the separate regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, just days before Moscow ordered the start of intervention on 24 February.
On Tuesday, the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic unveiled its “embassy” in central Moscow, next to the diplomatic missions of several Western countries.
Top Russian officials did not attend the ceremony amid tight police presence.
Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Breakaway Zone, Natalya NikanorovaSaid that the situation on the ground had worsened in recent days so he opted for a modest ceremony.
Separatist officials have long said they want their territories to eventually join RussiaBut Nikanorova said on Tuesday that the main goal was to “liberate the republic”.
“After that there will be a referendum,” she told reporters during a joint appearance with the DNR “ambassador”, Olga Makeyeva,
In late June, Moscow ally Syria also recognized the independence of Ukraine’s two separatist regions, making it the first state other than Russia to do so.
Nikanorova said the separated region is now in talks with North Korea on possible recognition.
The unveiling of the separatists’ representative office took place on the 139th day of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.