Michigan Settler

The decrees on recognizing the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics order the Russian armed forces to go into separatist territory on peacekeeping missions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree recognising two separatist regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - in eastern Ukraine as independent entities. Putin announced his decision in a televised address and in phone calls to the leaders of Germany and France, who voiced disappointment, the Kremlin said. The move could torpedo a last-minute bid for a summit with US President Joe Biden to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine.  Australian Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews told reporters on Monday: "Our preference is also for there to be a diplomatic response to any unrest in the world. Sanctions is something that we could consider, but we are looking for a peaceful resolution of the matters between Russia and the Ukraine, and we will continue to promote a diplomatic response." Russia's rouble currency extended its losses as Putin spoke on the issue, falling 3.3 per cent on the day to 79.83 per US dollar. Putin held a long address, delving into history as far back as t