U.S. Embassy in Kyiv: The recognition of DPR and LPR documents by Russia is 'distubring'
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv stated that Russia’s recognition of documents issued by the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics is a disturbing message. The U.S. diplomats noted that the recognition of DPR/LPR documents runs counter to the agreed purpose of the Minsk Agreements.
“We are concerned by the intensification of hostilities and the use of Grad multiple rocket launchers at the contact line and urge the withdrawal of heavy weapons in order to ensure a ceasefire in the Donbas,” the U.S. Embassy wrote on Twitter.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order recognizing the documents that were issued to Ukrainian citizens who are permanent residents in the separatist-held territories. The documents include DPR/LPR passports, birth certificates, diplomas, and other documents.
The text of the order states that the decision to recognize the DPR/LPR documents was made in order to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens in accordance with universally recognized principles of international humanitarian law. The order also stipulates that DPR/LPR passports are to be temporarily recognized – until the political settlement of the situation in the separatist areas of the Donbas.