text: Decree of the President of the Russian Federation On the recognition of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics1. Whereas Ukraine has rejected the Minsk agreements and a peaceful settlement to the conflict, the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics are recognized as sovereign and independent states, in accordance with the will of their people.2. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will establish diplomatic relations with the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics. 3. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will reach a formal agreement on friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance with the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics.4. By the invitation of the heads of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republic, the Russian Armed Forces will be deployed in their territory to conduct peacekeeping operations.5. This decree comes into effect immediately. Vladimir PutinPresident of the Russian FederationMoscow - Kremlin21 February 2022