Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognised the independence of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia and Kherson areas, in line with presidential decrees issued late Thursday, on the eve of Russia finalising their annexation.
“I order the popularity of the state sovereignty and independence” of the areas of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, positioned in southern Ukraine, Putin stated within the decrees, as Russia prepares to formalise the annexation of the 2 areas, together with Donetsk and Lugansk on Friday.