Russia's Security Council Recommends To Recognize The Donbas Republics
Updated (again) below
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The Russian National Security Council has been meeting today to discuss the recognition of the Donetzk People's Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) as independent states.
The whole meeting was shown on public TV. RT-English provided a live translation. The purpose of the show was to present Russia's arguments to an international public.

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Last week the Russian parliament submitted a resolution which asked the president of Russia to recognize the DNR and LNR. Earlier today the leaders of the DNR and LNR made a formal official request to recognize their republics.
The security council heard the opinions of the prime minister, foreign minister and defense minister. The leaders of parliament and of the security services also spoke.

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The military reported that earlier today a group of Ukrainian saboteurs had tried to cross onto Russian ground but was prevent from doing so. A published video of the incident showed two burning BMP infantry fighting vehicles. Russia says that five of the intruders have been killed and one of them has been arrested.
Defense minister Shoigu reported that there are some 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers at the border of the DNR and LNR together with more than 500 tanks and lots of artillery. He also pointed out that the Ukrainian president Zelensky had announced that the Ukraine would leave the Budapest agreement and start to build nuclear bombs. He said the Ukraine has the knowledge and means to do that and called the move extremely dangerous.
It was pointed out that recent artillery attacks had destroyed part of the water supply for Donetzk and that the destruction of a pipeline left many people without gas. This is seen as an emergency situation. Some 70,000 refugees have been received in Russia.
Several members of the security council pointed out that some 700,000 of the 4.6 million inhabitants of the rebellious Donbas region already have a Russian passport, some 500,000 more have applied for one. These are formal Russian citizens which Russia must protect from harm.
All members were of the opinion that the current situation needs a new solution. The Ukrainian government is obviously unwilling to fulfill the Minsk agreements by giving more autonomy to its Donbas region. It is instead trying to regain the region by war.
All were of the opinion that the republics should therefore be recognized. The head of Russia's foreign intelligence service, Sergey Naryshkin, said the the republics should be integrated into Russia. Putin told him that such a step was not under discussion.
After hearing all opinions Putin said that he would make the decision later today.
What would it mean if Russia recognizes the DNR and LNR as sovereign states? For one - the Minsk agreement, which the Ukraine does not want to implement anyway, would be null and void.
What other steps would follow was not discussed but there are certain possibilities.
The DNR and LNR could ask for a common defense agreement with the Russian Federation. The Russian military could then move into the DNR and LNR.
Neither the DNR nor the LNR incorporate all land that defines the formal administrative Donetzk and Luhansk regions of the Ukraine. The republics, with Russia'S help, could try to extend the border of DNR and LNR to the original administrative borders of those regions. That probably would mean a war which I still find unlikely to happen.
The economic integration of the DNR and LNR into Russia's economy should be no problem. Both regions are rather rich with minerals like anthracite coal. Both have large industrial installations and a well educated Russian speaking public.
An open question is what the 'west' would do if Russia recognizes the republics.
The national security council is expecting more sanctions but several members shrugged them off. They said that sanctions would be imposed anyway no matter what Russia does or does not do. They expect that in the long term the sanctions will increase Russia's autonomy and expand its economy. The sanctions are also expected to erode over time as Russia offers desirable products and is in itself a large market.
I find it unlikely that the 'west' would impose all sanctions it has prepared in response to Russia's move today. It would the expense of all economic ammunition that can be used against Russia. As Russia still could take more serious action some sanctions must be held back for that eventuality.
Later today Russia's president Vladimir Putin will give a televised speech to announce his decision.
I will update this post when it is known.
Update:
Maxim A. Suchkov @m_suchkov - 18:11 UTC · Feb 21, 2022⚡#Putin has just had phone calls with @OlafScholz & @EmmanuelMacron. #Kremlin says #Russian president "briefed both leaders on the results of Security Council gathering & told them he is going to respective order [apparently on recognition of LNR/DNR].
Update 18:28 UTC:
The above tweet has now been confirmed by an official Kremlin statement about the phone call (machine translation):
Vladimir Putin had telephone conversations with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz.Vladimir Putin informed about the results of the expanded meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, which considered the current situation around Donbass in the context of the State Duma's decision on the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. Today, the leadership of the DPR and LPR received appeals to recognize their sovereignty in connection with the military aggression of the Ukrainian authorities, massive shelling of the territory of Donbass, as a result of which the civilian population suffers.
With all this in mind, the President of Russia said that he intended to sign a relevant decree in the near future.
The President of France and the Federal Chancellor of Germany expressed their disappointment with this development. At the same time, they indicated their readiness to continue contacts.
Update 19:42 UTC:
It has happened. After a TV speech on the development of the Ukraine since the begin of Soviet communism and after laying out the list of Russian grievances with western aggression Putin signed the official recognition of the Donbas republics as independent states. There are now also cooperation agreements on defense and other issues signed by Putin as well as the heads of the Donbas republics.
If the Ukraine continues its war on Donbas Russia will respond with force.
Posted by b on February 21, 2022 at 17:42 UTC | Permalink
next page »Just to recap:
Minsk 2 reinforced by UN Resolution 2202(2015) have called for Donbass to be an autonomous area specified in a constitution, which Kyev refuses to do. There are 17 autonomous communities in Europe so it isn't unreasonable.
Therefore there is justification for the region's population to declare independence, and ask for protection.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 21 2022 17:56 utc | 2
Can anyone explain why the German Green Party seems to be anti-Russian? Thanks,
Posted by: simjam | Feb 21 2022 18:04 utc | 3
The US' past week of claims about Russian "false flags" being used as a pretext for an invasion can now be seen in retrospect as planning for their planned invasion of the LDNR, which the US populace is being told to treat as "fake" or as a Russian "false flag" with the help of the CIA-corporate media.
But now I wonder about other ridiculous claims we've been primed for: assassinations, terror attacks, etc. Today there is a NY Times editorial more or less calling for the replacement of Zelensky, who has clearly become expendable, as b foresaw. I do not believe that Zelensky has any real power to stop the national guard/mercenary attack on LDNR. Is it too much to suppose that the Russians might conveniently "assassinate" Zelensky the out-of-depth hero, leading to his being replaced by a more dependable nationalist? I admit this is a fantastic scenario, over the top, jumping the shark, as it were.
But I may still be underestimating the levels of bestial depravity the US war machine is capable of.
I do fear that we have not seen the end of American shenanigans short-term in Ukraine. I hope I am wrong.
Posted by: WJ | Feb 21 2022 18:05 utc | 4
Now that it is confirmed that the west still claim that Russia wants to invade Ukraine, Sanctions are looming anyway.
The recognition of the rebel regions will amputate Ukraine even more. Educated co-religion Russians living in Ukraine will find it dangerous to stay and they will move to Russia. Ukraine will be amputated from educated scientists. Turks will take over as well as Arab gulf countries and Ukraine will be faced with an invasion of moslems sex tourists and shady businesses.. (Turks travel to Ukraine with the need of a visa)
The christian Ukrainian will soon regret the christian Russians.. thank you zelinski!
Posted by: Virgile | Feb 21 2022 18:09 utc | 5
It will be interesting to see the Wests reaction if Putin recognises both republics.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 18:12 utc | 6
In 2014 Putin implied that the republics would be accepted into Russia like Crimea was, if they voted for it. Then, under western pressure, we left them in a lurch, for 8 years of civil war. We owe them.
Posted by: Andrey Subbotin | Feb 21 2022 18:15 utc | 7
from RT:
Russian President Vladimir Putin has told foreign leaders that Moscow is likely to officially recognize the sovereignty of the Donetsk (DPR) and Lugansk (LPR) People’s Republics in Ukraine's war-torn east.
In a statement released on Monday, the Kremlin revealed that Putin had notified French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that he intends to sign a decree recognizing the two separatist Donbass regions "in the near future." . .here
Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 21 2022 18:17 utc | 8
@simjam | Feb 21 2022 18:04 utc | 3
Can anyone explain why the German Green Party seems to be anti-Russian? Thanks,
The "green" colour of such parties is just a surface finish.
Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 21 2022 18:18 utc | 9
My best guess, as I have been arguing for weeks, is that if a Russian military operation begins it will not be limited to the Donbas.
The Russians appear serious about revising Europe's security order.
Posted by: Gulag | Feb 21 2022 18:19 utc | 10
Not an invasion
1. The U.S. was already calling this 'Russian occupied territory'.
2. Not one step towards Kiev, or Mariupol for the vaunted 'land bridge' to Crimea and there was no flag attack.
The assassination attempt and bombing of eastern Ukraine is part of a pattern over the past 8yrs and cannot be considered a 'false flag' unless someone proves the Russians did it.
Posted by: Christian J. Chuba | Feb 21 2022 18:21 utc | 11
WHAT WILL PUTIN SAY?
(I wrote this on Facebook on April 20, 2021. Nothing happened then. But it looks like these events will happen today: Russia will recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.)
Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver his annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly on April 21. In the speech he is expected to make legislative proposals that will require approval in an extra session of the Federation Council to be held on April 23rd. This is my speculation on what Putin may propose:
1) Ukraine has unilaterally withdrawn from the Minsk Agreements. Russia is therefore free to act on its own.
2) Putin asks the Duma to recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.
3) Putin asks the Duma for approval to use the Russian armed forces outside Russia.
4) Putin may ask that the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics be allowed to join the Russian Federation, or possibly the Union State along with Belarus. If this happens, it would be pending referendums, that would likely take place on Republic Day, on May 10th and May 11th in Lugansk and Donetsk respectively.
5) Putin may also announce changes to the structure of the Union State with Belarus.
After parliamentary approval Russian troops will march into Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. Ceremonies will take place at the border posts, with military bands and foreign news crews present. The earliest time for the ceremony is noon on April 23rd. All of the above will happen without single shot fired.
What Putin fails to mention is that the claimed territory of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics extends to the total territory of the Donetsk and Lugansk Oblasts. Russia will demand that Ukrainian troops immediately leave the occupied areas. If Ukrainians comply, Russian influence may be limited to Donetsk and Lugansk. If Ukraine attacks, then Russia may extend military operations to western Ukraine.
On the other hand, Putin may simply talk about pension reform.
Posted by: Petri Krohn | Feb 21 2022 18:23 utc | 12
"rich in minerals like anthracite coal" which will be worthless in the post carbon future. Carbon wars of the 20th century masquerading as great power competition.
Posted by: wobblie | Feb 21 2022 18:27 utc | 13
Bad move, and stupid. What he should have done was say he wouldn't sign the recognition of the independence of the Donbass, but would keep it on his desk and reserve the right to sign it at any point. Commit one last time to pushing Ukraine to actually implement Minsk, which European states have lately been falling over themselves insisting they support. Then just sit back and wait for Kiev's response to be an open assault on Donbass. Give it a day or two to become painfully obviously that this is what is happening, then crush the Ukrainian assault and *then* sign the recognition.
Posted by: Ben | Feb 21 2022 18:30 utc | 14
Can anyone remember how eager Germany - and then a number of western countries - were to recognise the independence of former Yugoslavia’s republics?
Can anyone remember NATO bombing Belgrade?
Posted by: DG | Feb 21 2022 18:33 utc | 15
The Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs has requested a UN Security Council meeting . . .here. . .Russia, one of the council’s five veto-wielding permanent members, is president of the council for February under a rotating schedule.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 21 2022 18:35 utc | 16
WJ, I don't think that an assassination of Zelensky is at all far-fetched.
I have been expecting it since he told Biden to stop talking about a Russian invasion.
Killing Zelensky and using it as an excuse to sanction Russia/Germany is the only kind of win/win operation the US is capable of doing.
Posted by: wagelaborer | Feb 21 2022 18:37 utc | 17
The new "Ukrainian" position on the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances changes things.
However it seems unlikely that the decision to come today will deal with that issue and it will likely be left for "Ukraine" to yet again choose its own non-future if they so wish.
A nuclear "Ukraine" is 100% unacceptable to Russia and Belarus but possibly also to other nations in Europe and elsewhere and should be unacceptable to most people in the world.
The new position would make a declaration of war on Ukraine by at least Russia and Belarus seem more likely from the point of view of the US and the UK, maybe they're right but everyone knows "Ukraine" didn't take this position independently or without being told what to think. Russia and Belarus might not act the way the US and the UK deems likely, plausible, or possible.
Posted by: Sunny Runny Burger | Feb 21 2022 18:37 utc | 18
Recognition of DPR and LPR has already got a sort of thumbs down from the Kremlin last week. Putin's spokesman Peskov told reporters that recognition would mean rejecting the Minsk Agreement - which is the same treaty Russia has been continuously pushing for years.
That would only be playing into the trap placed by the USA - getting Ukraine to provoke Russia into retaliating and looking like an aggressor. Nobody in the Kremlin is stupid enough to fall for that.
The reality, I think, is that Ukraine (and its western allies too) have given up hope on Donbass and see it as too much trouble to regain. As was briefly discussed here some months ago, they could be actually deliberately trying to lose that region and at the same time show Russia as an imperialistic monster invading other countries.
Posted by: Brendan | Feb 21 2022 18:37 utc | 19
@ 14
Zelensky has made it crystal clear for three years that Minsk 2 (with UNSC 2202(2015) is not an option.
Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 21 2022 18:40 utc | 20
Ukraine had plenty of opportunities to push to implement the Minsk agreements but it didn't, the big question is what will Kiev do when recognises the republics sovereignty.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 18:41 utc | 21
Wobblie #13 Anthracite is mainly used in steel production. There will be always a demand for it.
Posted by: Milos | Feb 21 2022 18:41 utc | 22
Putin Live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWuYZfkhCxo
Posted by: Passer by | Feb 21 2022 18:41 utc | 23
Russia upping the ante again to put maximum pressure on Germany to force Ukraine to solve the Donbas problem while taking into account Russia's security needs. Germany has the most to lose: Cheap gas (gas is used everywhere for heating) and more money to the bottomless barrel that is Ukraine. Ukraine will need tons of capital to compensate for the capital that has already fled and will be fleeing. Since nobdy wants to lose money, only the Western sponsors can provide for Ukraine to keep going. And Germany is putting up most of the money.
Russia can keep this up for months or even years: Moving military vehicles from point A to B leaking twitter clips of it and then let the West do the rest to scare capital away. What I see is a kind of hubris dictating Western policy on Russia that will come back to bite us, the tax payers. Russia called the cards and sees that the King has no cloth.
Posted by: Arne Hartmann | Feb 21 2022 18:44 utc | 24
Important development
Unfortunately the consequence of both the Proroshenko and Zelensky government's repeated public pronouncements that they don't agree with Minsk protocol, don't intend to implement those of their obligations they don't like, and many actions vividly demonstrating the same.
Highlighted by recent bombardment of civilian infrastructure, which may not be a war crime by the standards the US sets for its own conduct, but would be a war crime if anyone did it to the US.
So here we go again
Posted by: ptb | Feb 21 2022 18:47 utc | 25
The US National Security Adviser is right on top of things. /s
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday the U.S. believes Russia is planning an "extremely violent" invasion of Ukraine, saying Moscow will seek to "crush" the Ukrainian people. . .here
Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 21 2022 18:48 utc | 26
From Smoothie
And that will be the end of the regime in 404 and, in fact, the end of 404 as we know it. The West can have this shithole it helped to create and pay for it. As Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated today: Russia was preparing for the consequences of recognizing LDNR for many months now (in Russian). Mishustin is being somewhat disingenuous (understandably so), because this preparation started already in 2015.Recognition of the LDNR means the start of the process of integration with Russia and it means the start of the Russian troops rolling in to the line of contact with VSU and they are shitting pants right now in Kiev and at the front line.
Expect Western media harpies going into the overdrive because this means NO war the way the US wanted it and that means that US establishment will have to face a domestic catastrophe. As Elysee Palace confirmed today (in Russian) it was Biden who asked Macron to arrange summit with Putin.
I am on record, Russia has no need for this "summit" because there is nobody to talk to in Washington and all decisions on the issue of West-Russia relations have been made by Kremlin. We may begin to discuss ramifications of these decisions already today, but as I already stated--New New World Order is coming.
Russia WILL Recognize LDNR.
Posted by: Down South | Feb 21 2022 18:48 utc | 27
And thus marks the formal beginning of the end of the US empire.
Sanctions will have Russia turning off the NG through Ukraine and, most likely abandoning NS II. Economic shoring up for this will be available from China. Eventually Europe will flee from its entanglements with the US as US NG costs will start to kill it. Those in France have to ask why they should stick by the US: the submarine deal with Australia was nixed by the US; and now the, soon-to-be, painful energy shortages. Will the Germans dare repeat their stupid performance of WWII (and attack Russia)? US won't be there for any Marshall Plan II.
Posted by: Seer | Feb 21 2022 18:52 utc | 28
Meanwhile, US import of Russian diesel fuel and other oil products is at an all time high. Go figure.
Posted by: Hannibal | Feb 21 2022 18:56 utc | 29
As Putin gives us a history lesson on Ukraine and Russia's relationship, 60,000 Ukrainian troops have amassed on the borders of the Donbas, will they attack once they get the word that Putin has recognised the sovereignty of the Donbas republics.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 18:57 utc | 30
Meanwhile:
Russia Captures No. 2 Rank Among Foreign Oil Suppliers to U.S.
Posted by: Hannibal | Feb 21 2022 19:00 utc | 31
WJ | 4
Possibly the nazis might see this as a good time to seize power openly (not just the gun behind the throne anymore), thinking that the West would have no choice but to recognize them. This might be triggered by Zelensky ordering a pullback from the eastern border.
Posted by: Keith McClary | Feb 21 2022 19:03 utc | 32
And what of the gas pipe lines that pass through Ukraine will Kiev destroy them if Putin recognises the sovereignty of the Donbas republics.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 19:06 utc | 33
Listening to Putin, we know by their names the radicals that burnt alive peaceful protesters in Odessa. They'll face justice.
Posted by: Paco | Feb 21 2022 19:06 utc | 34
As far as I'm concerned, the saddest part of a Russian military intervention, if it ever happens, is that they won't go all the way to Lisbon. A shame, that would be a good opportunity to get rid of the atlantists and all the fools dealing in US typical insanity like wokeism.
Posted by: Clueless Joe | Feb 21 2022 19:07 utc | 35
Formal recognition of statehood of the two provinces means? Russia views these two areas as independant of both Russia and Ukraine? New countries? State refers to an alignment with another entity my view.
To be determined later? No answers many questions
Posted by: circumspect | Feb 21 2022 19:09 utc | 36
Lavrov informs that there's a much bigger picture. Some time back I had stated that this would be Russia's green light to get serious in Syria.
https://www.rt.com/russia/550154-lavrov-nato-irresolvable-confrontation/
Posted by: Seer | Feb 21 2022 19:16 utc | 38
The live translations I'm receiving of Putin's speech are fairly intense. It almost sounds as if Putin is not only going to recognize the LDNR but formally declare war on Ukraine.
Posted by: WJ | Feb 21 2022 19:23 utc | 39
My first thought on Russia's move is that it allows them to invite the republics into the CSTO. With that mechanism in place, CSTO peacekeeper troops could move in. This would be a different legal mechanism with troops from multiple countries, rather than just Russian troops, moving to secure the front line from Ukrainian bombardment and invasion.
Posted by: worldblee | Feb 21 2022 19:24 utc | 40
Russia has tried with great patience, and at great sacrifice from the people of Donbass, to implement the Minsk agreements. It was always a long shot and is now impossible.
I expect the two republics will be recognised by Russia, and a revised and expanded Union State to come about. This will probably include all of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
I also expect a similar recognition of the Galicia region in western Ukraine by the U.S. and the EU. This will leave Kiev, Mariupol and Odessa swinging in the wind. It looks like Europe might get its very own Idlib, and like its namesake in Syria, Turkey will be in the thick of that hotbed of instability.
Posted by: Hal Duell | Feb 21 2022 19:24 utc | 41
This stance of the Russian Security Council should be the first of a series of right moves to come. Now the ball is in Putin's court; he can formalize the recognition at his preference and convenience. The Council should have added verbiage that Russia would encourage any other Ukrainian provinces to organize and resist the Neo-Nazis in Kiev, and to provide monetary + logistic assistances to such ends. China should obliquely support this move by funneling financial support via the BRI facade to sustain such efforts.
Yes, supporting further chaos and splittist efforts in Ukraine would be harmful to Ukraine's civilian population. But the West (that includes all the European NATO states) don't seem to be bothered by this prospect, why should Russia/China alone fight the defensive war against the West inching eastward to perpetuate their hegemony? Make it difficult for them. Make it such that, as long as the civilian population is willingly going along with the Nazi's tactics, they'll just have to pay the price that comes with it. They too have to be part of the resistance for their own salvations.
The stir up of chaos in NATO should extend to those new members who thought their entrances into NATO would bring them prosperity but instead just seeing themselves being used as pawns on the chessboard. They have not yet awaken to the true situations they are in. Russia/China should give them a push.
Posted by: Oriental Voice | Feb 21 2022 19:24 utc | 42
@Posted by: simjam | Feb 21 2022 18:04 utc | 3
The leader of the Greens is a graduate of the WEF young leaders program and the London School of Economics. There was a neocon takeover of the German Greens, just like was attempted with the Canadian Greens recently (the new leader was such an awful person it has failed for now). This is the WEF way, their sticky fingers are all over the place - Trudeau, Macron, Arden etc. Just like Goldman Sachs, the Vampire Squid.
So, Putin makes another move.
I would say the last 8 years of the Ukraine fandango has been an excellent example of "The threat is stronger than the move".
I suppose Putin has decided he has gotten all he can out of it.
"Please Brer Fox, don't throw me into that briar patch."
Posted by: Bemildred | Feb 21 2022 19:28 utc | 44
Keith McClary | Feb 21 2022 19:03 utc | 32
"Possibly the nazis might see this as a good time to seize power openly"
This is not far fetched. Canada and Crystia Freeland would be behind any such move. However, they would need a figurehead and Zelensky doesn't make the grade.
*
After the comic act there are usually advertisments. So some sort of commercial toothpaste merchant might be found (For the glittering white smile), or the return of the chocolate king (Poroshenko). The latter may actually be "pre-positioned", after his recent resurfacing from backstage.
Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 21 2022 19:31 utc | 45
Putin just announced that he is recognising the Donbas republics sovereignty.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 19:35 utc | 46
The Ukinazis will be about as effective in displacing Russia as ISIS is in Syria (displacing Russia/Assad). As I just noted, going by Lavrov's statement, things are going to ratchet up in Syria as well. The US/West has ZERO ability to stop this, and I very much doubt that continuing to bolster these extremist factions is going to return anything (scale or arms sales won't be enough to accept the risks).
US economy takes a shat. It was inevitable. Domestic tensions are going to force the corrupt leaders in the US to attend to the homefront (something that they know little about).
Posted by: Seer | Feb 21 2022 19:37 utc | 48
The creation of chaos in the west should not be limited to the new NATO states, although these are states where chaos may be easier stirred than entrenched states such as the western Europe. But western Europe has allowed their politicians to abet the Empire causing chaos and miseries everywhere on this globe. They played coy and enjoyed the exceptionalism of being citizens of richness and power. It's only right that they taste the bitterness of chaos in their own home. How else are you going to convince these people that they need to rein in their own government?
There are millions of migrant workers in each of these western NATO states. A little seed money, a little propaganda, a little false flags, boom the kind of pain that China/Russia witnessed in Xinjiang/Tibet/Central Asia can blossom everywhere west of the Black Forests.
Let them BLOOM! Let the scripts of the west play out in their own home!
Posted by: Oriental Voice | Feb 21 2022 19:39 utc | 49
Draft fast not very accurate transcript of Putin's address to the nation:
http://smoothiex12.blogspot.com/2022/02/russia-will-recognize-ldnr.html#comment-5754631382
The breakaway regions are populated by ethnic Russian, so what is the big deal? Oh yeah acres and acres of productive and beautiful farm ground. Still if providences want to be with Mother Russia just let them go. The remaining Ukraine is relatively useless except for its location. Also if we quit the British great game of geopolitics, none of this would matter. As for NATO, if Western Europe intends to imitate the US by permitting a wide open border invasion from the southern hemisphere, then arguably NATO is now null and void. Who knows if we played nice, maybe both Russia and Belarus would sell us much needed fertilizer components? However if I were them, I wouldn't. Oh the twisted poverty inducing tangled web the managerial class has thrown us in.
Posted by: Old and Grumpy | Feb 21 2022 19:51 utc | 52
It's official.
Russia recognises the independence of the 2 breakaway regions.
https://sputniknews.com/20220221/russia-recognises-donbass-republics-independence-1093241178.html
Posted by: Surferket | Feb 21 2022 19:51 utc | 53
Ben @ 14,
What's stupid is you thinking that words speak louder than actions, and simply because you think that you can time the set-change of the political theater better than can the stage hands.
WADR my brother.
Posted by: reante | Feb 21 2022 19:54 utc | 54
thanks b...
"Russia called the cards and sees that the King has no cloth."
Posted by: Arne Hartmann | Feb 21 2022 18:44 utc | 24
that is how i see it too... minsk agreement was never going to be accepted.. anyone could see that however many years out.. now this... expect the same b.s. in the western media on all of it, with the removal of vital information that highlights the wests participation in getting to where we are now.. this is on the west, not russia.. but the media will say the exact opposite..
Posted by: james | Feb 21 2022 19:54 utc | 55
@Posted by: Ben | Feb 21 2022 18:30 utc | 14
The open assault on Donbass is taking place for the past week, only you media did not tell you.
Putin has the info, and this makes his decissions.
The laughing about genocide happening in Donbas at the Munich Secuirity Conference, implying the open disregard the Werst and NATO have fro these peoples, has been a defintive factor imo to incline Putin and his security council to make this step.
It was obvious for the one wanting to wantch and hear that NATO was preparing a carnage of its own style, like in Yugoslavia, Irak, and so on.
You first dehumaniize people, before killing them in cold blood.
Posted by: Givi | Feb 21 2022 19:56 utc | 56
relevant link from craig murray - Ukraine: Where to Find the Truth in Enormous Detail
astro prediction.. watch out beginning of april for this thing to heat up in a very unfriendly way..
Posted by: james | Feb 21 2022 20:00 utc | 57
People:
Let's be clear: recognition of the 2 regions is NOT the same as incorporating/annexing them into Russia.
This is a clear step progression from what was attempted in the Minsk Accords; a step progression from PMR-like status (present status quo but without peacekeepers) but similar to what occurred with South Ossetia.
The PMR is not formally recognized by any UN members but South Ossetia is recognized by Russia and 4 other nations.
This is a clear threat to Ukraine and the EU: either fix the problem via Minsk Accord execution or lose all connection to the regions.
It seems likely that this also is intended to determine if Azov et al will act now that Ukraine is about to be literally diminished.
Posted by: c1ue | Feb 21 2022 20:00 utc | 58
Well Biden will be on the telephone to the German Chancellor right now telling him that's it I'm shutting down the Nordstream II pipeline whether the people of Germany like it or not.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 20:01 utc | 59
This is but a continuum. The west will do all it can to continue the tensions. Possible countermoves coming via Syria, as per Lavrov's words, "Russia would work to strengthen Syria’s “sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence.”
maybe we'll see them up the ante in the oil-rich regions north of the Euphrates? Golan Heights anyone?
Posted by: urbanito | Feb 21 2022 20:05 utc | 60
Keith McClary | Feb 21 2022 19:03 utc | 32
Thinking a bit more clearly about neo-whatzits in Ukraine: I doubt this is the time to have an "Azov" badge on your shoulder. There is a large degree of antipathy against Nazism in any form, and a likelihood, if the sitution permits, of action being taken against them.
Note that the Russians have mentioned 100'000 persons killed (Genocide) and mentioned having photos of mass graves. So it is not unreasonable to think that many in Ukraine have been threatened, brutalized or killed, and while they may or may not want Russian tutelage, they would find themselves better off without Azov.
**
Second thought; is that Israel (The mossad part) has been arming ultra-right Neo-whatzits and has been recently told to stop doing so by the "others" in Israel. They do look rather stupid in claiming genocides by Nazis are the worst thing that ever happened, and then supporting them.
Posted by: Stonebird | Feb 21 2022 20:05 utc | 61
but will the German chancellor do what Biden wants
Posted by: pretzelattack | Feb 21 2022 20:06 utc | 62
wagelaborer @ 17,
this whole affair is a win/win for everyone. that's why it's called political theater, because it's theater. the theatrics always serve elite interests.
elitism is a fraternity.
the western comptrollers need to consolidate.
the Russian comptrollers need to... reconsolidate.
The Ukraine was a pawn in the Long Game of elite statecraft. The Western, theatrical coup of Ukraine had the blessing of the Russian elite in the first place. Why? Precisely so that the current scene can play out, of course. Without the short-lived coup to set-up the geopolitical sea change, there can be no literary sea change.
Gotta SELL the sea change!
win/win.
welcome to the denouement of the deglobalization play.
Posted by: reante | Feb 21 2022 20:08 utc | 63
@Posted by: Clueless Joe | Feb 21 2022 19:07 utc | 35
That the populations of the West call for Russia to be liberated from the ongoing dictatorial laws being written non stop since the end of the past year is a matter of time too.
The only obstacle fro this to happen would be Russia getting rid of QR cattle tags and WEF influence which is enslaving all the populations in the world.
Posted by: Givi | Feb 21 2022 20:09 utc | 64
Almost crying of joy. Seven years of waiting. Thank you Putin.
Somewhere in heaven, Givi, Motorola and Zakharchenko are smiling. Their sacrifice has not been in vain. It was all worth it. Now Putin has thrown the gauntlet, in a perfect judo move it's now up to the Ukraine to decide what to do. Attack openly, and run counter to the hysterical Russian invasion narrative ? Or lie down cowardly and swallow the humiliation ? Either way, they lose, and their American patrons too.
It will surely be said by thousands, but we're witnessing the end of the American world order.
Posted by: Micron | Feb 21 2022 20:12 utc | 65
"Can anyone explain why the German Green Party seems to be anti-Russian? Thanks,"
I short: The "new" greens like Joschka Fischer were hell bend on gaining power by any means necessary, and understood that alining with the Atlanticists was the sure way to achieve that. Fischer was mentored by Madleine Albright, nearly 25 years ago and all leaders of the party today are build up by Atlanticists circles like Atlantik-Brücke etc.
Even shorter: In exchange for power, the made a 180 25 years ago and made a pact with the devil (german participation in Balkan war was one condition they happily abliged with).
Posted by: DontBelieveEitherPr. | Feb 21 2022 20:14 utc | 66
Now will Germany give in to the US/UK and kill its own economy by boycotting Nordstream 2 taking with it some 30% of EU energy supply?
Posted by: JR | Feb 21 2022 20:15 utc | 67
> Posted by: c1ue | Feb 21 2022 20:00 utc
What matters is not mer e "recognitions" but treaties of mutual friendship and support.
We do not have the specific wording yet, but common sense says Russia bruned the bridges and lgalyl bound herself to militarily defened LDPR against UKroNATO ongiong agression
Posted by: Arioch | Feb 21 2022 20:15 utc | 68
I wonder what is going to happen to Viktor Medvedchuk and any other non-Russophobes stuck in Kiev, Dniepropetovsk, Kharkiv, and other cities still under "control" of the Kiev regime?
I am reminded of the Lenin quote, "There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen."
Posted by: lex talionis | Feb 21 2022 20:16 utc | 69
What Sullivan fears is that Russia will crush his nazis, trained and funded by them, UK, Canada, ans so on.
Russia will do no harm to the already so suffered Ukrainians unless they are fanatic nazis with criminal record in Donbass and Odessa.
May be Sullivan is starting giving visas to those psychos to go as refugees, "translators", or "freedom warriors" into the US?
Posted by: Givi | Feb 21 2022 20:17 utc | 70
Hannibal @ 31,
good call.
no doubt that in light of the shale senecan cliff, part of the win/win that is the Ukraine rejoining the motherland, so to speak, is Russia contractually committing, off the books, of course, to exporting an unknown mbps (1-2mbpd is my guess) to the US for a certain number of years (5?).
the summer surge detailed in the bloomberg article you posted was probably the required sign of good faith in advance of the Ukrainian handover we are witnessing.
Posted by: reante | Feb 21 2022 20:17 utc | 71
I am certainly glad to see this development, Russia and the Donbass republics has been jerked around vis a vis the Minsk Agreements for 7 years
some other russian-majority speaking areas of the Ukraine will sometime soon declare their independence and ask Russia to recognize them, thereby protecting them from the US and UK-backed neo-nazis who run the military.
there will be sanctions.
and so what.
I find it hard to believe that the US would try to disconnect Russia from Swift and cut off the NordStream II..... though I could be wrong.....
Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 21 2022 20:19 utc | 72
@Posted by: Micron | Feb 21 2022 20:12 utc | 65
Mozgovoi, Bezler, will be also smilling....
Posted by: Givi | Feb 21 2022 20:19 utc | 73
The shit is going to hit the fan now. As I said in earlier comments, provocations would include trying to attack Russia as Blinken or Biden projected, along with video of The Ukraine military vehicles, also in that prophecy. Attacks will continue until Russian troops move in.
Blinken has spoken about chemical weapons. The comedian has spoken the N word. And embassies have left Kiev. When the hit on Kiev occurs, the sanctions that will be brought in will be far more than what has been okayed by EU, not less.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 21 2022 20:20 utc | 74
Is it not a fundamental foundation of the "Rules Based Order" that all people have the Right of Self Determination?
And did 'the West' not just stately loudly and quite forcefully that all nations have the right to make alliances with anyone they choose?
Posted by: Judge Judy | Feb 21 2022 20:27 utc | 75
@Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 20:01 utc | 59
But, why the current German government would allow Biden to switch off NSII while Biden is importing Russian oil as if there was no tomorrow?
I told you, because the current German government is a Troy Horse of the WEF with the only purpose of enslaving and finishing the German people.
Posted by: Givi | Feb 21 2022 20:28 utc | 76
EU just announced that there will more sanctions on Russia after Putin's announcement, Nato's puppet spokesperson Stoltenberg also gave a statement saying that Putin's latest announcement is a step closer to Russia invading Ukraine.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 20:29 utc | 77
Ben @ 14
Pretty sure you'd have a different opinion if it was your house being shelled.
Posted by: Luke | Feb 21 2022 20:33 utc | 78
Givi (59).
I think it would be political suicide for Scholz to allow Biden to switch off Nordstream II even though the pipelines licences are not live yet, simply because a majority of the German public wants Russian gas, it will be interesting to see how this plays out, will Scholz put his party and the people of Germany before the interests of the USA, and can Scholz withstand the pressure from his fellow Nato allies to tear up the gas deal with Russia.
Posted by: Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 20:34 utc | 79
@74 PeterAU
Indeed. Now is the moment. I've said it all before a million x since 2016. The Empire is in a pincer: abroad, it is being pushed around by Ru. At home, it is us domestic terrorists who are sharpening our pitchforks and getting ready to ride.
This is an interesting, albeit glorious, time to be alive, that is...if you are a Christian who wants to live and die in the light of truth. For all others: it is the sword of doom which will cut them down.
Posted by: NemesisCalling | Feb 21 2022 20:36 utc | 80
The US have plenty of ex soviet aircraft painted in Russian colors for training exercises and such. They have said the 'Russian' attack on Kiev would begin with aerial bombing. US will be able to commence the 'Russian'' attack on Kiev the moment Russian troops formally move to the front lines in Donbass which they will have to do.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 21 2022 20:37 utc | 81
@Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 21 2022 20:20 utc | 74
You forget that part where Putin asured the decission making HQ will be olbiterated at the first moments.
no decission making HQ, no further sanctions, one guesses.
Posted by: Givi | Feb 21 2022 20:38 utc | 82
. . from the White House:
.........we knew this was coming, no big deal
We have anticipated a move like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately. President Biden will soon issue an Executive Order that will prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine. This E.O. will also provide authority to impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine. The Departments of State and Treasury will have additional details shortly. We will also soon announce additional measures related to today’s blatant violation of Russia’s international commitments.
To be clear: these measures are separate from and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures we have been preparing in coordination with Allies and partners should Russia further invade Ukraine. . .here
Posted by: Don Bacon | Feb 21 2022 20:39 utc | 83
Allegedly from eurokr forums.
Ukraine should immediately attack Poland, NATO invokes the 5th article, and decalares war on Ukraine. Ukraine capitulates and NATO liberates the whole Ukrainian territory
Ukrainains are so sly, so cunning :-D
Posted by: Arioch | Feb 21 2022 20:39 utc | 84
@Republicofscotland | Feb 21 2022 20:29 utc | 77
Stoltenberg also gave a statement saying that Putin's latest announcement is a step closer to Russia invading Ukraine.
Tell him it isn't Ukraine anymore.
Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 21 2022 20:39 utc | 85
Givi @ 76,
NSII will not be shut off. NSII is one of the primary mechanisms for keeping the hapless European population in line during Degrowth.
NSII is the carrot AND the stick.
Posted by: reante | Feb 21 2022 20:41 utc | 86
Is it not a fundamental foundation of the "Rules Based Order" that all people have the Right of Self Determination?
And did 'the West' not just stately loudly and quite forcefully that all nations have the right to make alliances with anyone they choose?
Posted by: Judge Judy | Feb 21 2022 20:27 utc | 75
No no, you see, that's only when it inconveniences your enemies
Posted by: Misotheist | Feb 21 2022 20:43 utc | 87
Don Bacon 83 "We have anticipated a move like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately."
Yep. Same as they could anticipate what their provocations would be when warning about Russian false flags.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 21 2022 20:43 utc | 88
If there was an award for the world’s most hypocritical political party, the Liberal Party of Canada would be frontrunners to take the prize.
In their bid to ramp up tensions between nuclear armed NATO and Russia, this country’s top two politicians flagrantly intervened in Ukrainian affairs while maintaining other nations must stay out of ours.
Last week the Globe and Mail reported that Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau both called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to demand that he block legal proceedings against former president Petro Poroshenko. His political rival is accused of treason.
How does pressuring Zelensky respect Canada’s stated aim of supporting Ukrainian “sovereignty”? Also, didn’t they tell us repeatedly they couldn’t stop the deportation of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou to the US because they opposed interfering in the legal system?
See: Canadian interference in Ukrainian affairs reaches epic proportions
https://yvesengler.com/2022/02/09/canadian-interference-in-ukrainian-affairs-reaches-epic-proportions/
Posted by: nwwoods | Feb 21 2022 20:43 utc | 89
@Arioch #68
I don't disagree with what you say, but you are failing to understand the propaganda importance (in Ukraine) of having officially lost Donetsh and Lugansk.
Treaties with these recognized republics aren't that important since Russia has unquestionably been helping and protecting them all along.
However, internally within Ukraine - any fiction of "reunification" is now gone, at least outside of reunification by force. As I said, this is a direct poke in Pravy Sektor/Svoboda/Azov eyes.
Posted by: c1ue | Feb 21 2022 20:45 utc | 90
Because so many ask for a short history on the German Greens:
The Greens were founded on 3 pillars: Against nuclear energy and nuclear missiles, against war/peaceful resolution of the Cold War and environmental protection. The catalyst for the Greens to gain tranctions was the NATO Double-Track decision from 1979. Chancellor Schmidt allowed Pershing II to be stationed in Germany, the debate lasted from 1981 to 1983. That in turn, turned millions of Germans against him and gave rise to the Greens (so called peace movement in the early 1980ies).
The anti-war pillar was abandoned by Joschka Fischer in May 1999, when he forced the German Greens at the party conferece in Bielefeld to accept the bombardment of Serbia. This made the entire party left leave the party and opened the opportunity for Fischer to place his "realist" factions in higher party positions, Subsequently, the "young leaders" gained traction. From that point onwards, the German Greens were a pro-war, pro-NATO and pro-interventionist party staunchly allied to the influential atlanticists in Germany.
Posted by: Arne Hartmann | Feb 21 2022 20:45 utc | 91
So, will Biden insist on the independence of Taiwan now? 😏
Posted by: Norwegian | Feb 21 2022 20:46 utc | 92
Re German Greens: "The 'green' colour of such parties is just a surface finish."
Most Greens have turned into fascist olive drab, it seems.
Posted by: lindaj | Feb 21 2022 20:47 utc | 94
@wobblie | Feb 21 2022 18:27 utc | 13
The post carbon future is somewhat like 20 to 30 years in the future if not more. "Carbon neutral" as a 2050 goal does not necessarily mean no coal, gas, or oil use. In fact there is a lot of greenwashing behind by certificates and similar scams.
Until then, especially high ql coal like that in donbass has its use. The ukies need it desperately for their power plants - as far as not nuclear. They refused to buy it from donbass, thus bought it reimported via Russia, partially in triangular deals from Bulgaria.
Posted by: aquadraht | Feb 21 2022 20:49 utc | 95
@Peter AU1 #61
Low credibility. The opponent here isn't a 3rd rate military, plus Ukraine is well within the radar surveillance area of most of Europe.
A false flag plane would have to take off from Russian territory, be tracked to Kiev and then return.
There's a reason why no Ukraine or US radar data has ever been published with regard to MH17.
Posted by: c1ue | Feb 21 2022 20:50 utc | 96
James at 55
"this is on the west, not russia. But the media will say the exact opposite?"
Could you explain to me why it appears that your theoretical/ideological lens demands that Russia only be viewed as a victim of the West? Isn't such a perspective insulting to the agency of the Russia state? Doesn't Russia have a legitimate claim to its own sphere of influence in Europe and the choice to pursue any variety of strategic moves (diplomatic or, if necessary, even militarily) to secure such a sphere of influence even if it is seen as high risk and dangerous?
Yes, of course the Western media will say its Russia's fault--but we all know this is the propaganda of empire.
Posted by: Gulag | Feb 21 2022 20:50 utc | 97
Posted by: c1ue | Feb 21 2022 20:45 utc | 90
Perhaps i just don't care what there will be inside 404
But you may have a point: rather soon in the speech Putins let himself and emotional outburst, after listing the history of Ukraine gaining lands from different Russian and Soviet rulers.
You demand decommunization. We are all for it too. We will show you what decommunization means for real
It was an emotional moment, but i believe Putin in his official and programme speech tightly controlled where he would allow his emotions surface. So... Ukraine might indeed be set for yet more "presents".
Posted by: Arioch | Feb 21 2022 20:53 utc | 98
President Putin finally calls the collective West's bluff. I'm waiting to see what "sanctions from hell" the West is able to impose on Russia without hurting itself (the West) badly. Hubris and attachment to old habits have brought the house down on the West. The EU would suffer more of the consequence.
Posted by: Steve | Feb 21 2022 20:56 utc | 99
And since these full retards are most probably going to actually cancel NordStream 2, I will for once quote the infamous Nuland: "Fuck the EU".
Posted by: Clueless Joe | Feb 21 2022 20:58 utc | 100
The comments to this entry are closed.
Good for them. I'm sure the proletariat will love taking care of
5 million farmers.
Posted by: Steve | Feb 21 2022 17:50 utc | 1