Vladimir Putin orders the Russian army “to keep the peace” in the separatist territories of Ukraine

A Russian tank rolls during a military exercise in Rostov region, Russia.

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Vladimir Putin ordered the Russian army on Monday evening to "keep the peace" in the pro-Russian separatist territories of Ukraine, whose independence he recognized.

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The two decrees of the Russian president ask the Ministry of Defense that “

” of the “

” of Donetsk and Lugansk.

One more step towards a dreaded escalation.

The tone of the Russian president during his speech, where he recognized the separatist territories, was also very offensive, leaving various threats hanging over him.

No timetable for deployment or its extent was announced in these documents, which each take up one page and have been published on the site of the Russian database of legal texts.

For weeks, Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine's borders which the West says are ready to invade their neighbor.

The recognition of the independence of the two territories opened the way to a Russian military deployment at their request.

Vladimir Putin has also signed mutual aid agreements with these two separatist entities which, with the support of Russia, have been fighting the Ukrainian armed forces for eight years.

►Also read: In Ukraine, Russia recognizes the independence of the separatist territories

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• Ukraine

• Russia

• Defense

• Vladimir Poutine