Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made statements about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in an interview with the French TF1 channel. Lavrov said that the “liberation” of the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine is an “unconditional priority” for Russia, describing it as “the removal of the Ukrainian army and battalions from Donetsk and Luhansk, which Moscow recognizes as independent states.” The Donbas region consists of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Lavrov said that those living in other parts of Ukraine, where Russia is conducting “military operations”, should also decide for themselves about their future. The Kyiv government predicts that a controlled referendum will be held in Ukraine’s Kherson region on the declaration of a “people’s republic” based on the pro-Russian model of Luhansk and Donetsk. These two pro-Russian regions (Luhansk, Donetsk) were declared “people’s republics” in 2014, following the protests of pro-Western opposition and the overthrow of the government in Ukraine. On February 21, shortly before the invasion of Ukraine, Russian President Putin signed the decrees recognizing the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk.
QUESTION ABOUT PUTIN’S HEALTH STATUS
When Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov TF1 was asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s health condition, he said, “You can observe him on the screens, read and hear his performance. I don’t think rational people can see signs of illness or weakness in this man (Putin)”.
Lavrov also stated that Putin, who will turn 70 in October, appears before the public every day.
dpf, AFP / HT,BO