“The world thinks (Russian President Vladimir. -

RT

) Putin will sit back, not take measures to protect his people?

Therefore, Venezuela expresses its full support to President Vladimir Putin in his efforts to protect peace in Russia, in the region, ”RIA Novosti quotes Maduro.

He also noted that Venezuela supports any attempts to diplomatically resolve the situation around Ukraine.

On February 21, Putin signed decrees on Russia's recognition of the independence of the DNR and LNR.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics from February 22.