Putin signs with the presidents of Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporozhye agreements on their accession to the Russian Federation

Moscow (ST): Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed agreements with the presidents of the Lugansk and Donetsk republics, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions for the accession of the four entities to the Russian Federation.

In a speech before signing the agreements today at the Kremlin Palace, Putin said: The peoples of the republics of Lugansk and Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporozhye regions have chosen to join the Russian Federation, and this is their right, and we must respond to their wishes.

Putin stressed that the residents of Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporozhye have become citizens of Russia forever, and it will defend them by all available means and restore security, reconstruction and services to them.

Putin said: Behind the choice of millions of people in Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporozhye is a common history, destiny and future passed on from grandparents to fathers and sons.

K.Q.