Russia has not been alone in its attack on Ukraine, two 'people's republics' in the east of Ukraine in the Donbas region. The Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and the Lugansk/Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) were established in 2014 following the Euromaidan Protests and the Russian annexation of Crimea as pro-Russian separatist states.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. He made the announcement in a televised speech to the nation on Monday night.
The Russian leader signed a decree recognizing Luhansk and Donetsk, as well as friendship and aid agreements with the two separatist territories.