Earlier, the heads of the European Commission and the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, were outraged by the decision of the Russian Federation to recognize the independence of the republics.
On February 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees on Russia's recognition of the independence of the LNR and the DNR.
During the address, the President stressed that the situation in Donbass has become critical against the backdrop of Kiev's actions.
In particular, the head of state noted that, according to the Russian side, what is happening now in the Donbass is genocide.
Putin also demanded that Kiev immediately cease hostilities.