Crimean Head Says Only Ukraine to Blame for Loss of Donbass

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian authorities are the ones responsible for the country's loss of the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR), Head of the Crimean Republic Sergei Aksyonov has said.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised the independence of the DPR and LPR, saying the decision was long overdue.

"With all my heart I support our president's historic decision to recognise the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics! A great joy for all our nation, for all who have not lost conscience, and the concept of justice, mercy, sympathy!", Aksyonov said in a post on his Telegram channel on Monday.

The official called Putin's decision the only one possible, in line with social consensus.

"It [the decision] will put an end to the genocide of Donbass' people and open a new chapter in the history of the people's republics and in Russia's history. Ukraine can blame only its brainless rulers for the loss of Donbass and Crimea. I congratulate our Donetsk and Lugansk brothers!", Aksyonov added.

The situation in the breakaway Donbass region has escalated in recent days, with the DPR and LPR reporting increased shelling by Ukrainian forces and ordering general mobilisation in anticipation of an offensive by the Ukrainian Army. The evacuation of Donbass citizens, first of all, women, children, and the elderly, to Russia began late last week.

In 2014, the Ukrainian authorities launched a military operation against the DPR and LPR after they declared independence and refused to recognise the new central government. Early clashes escalated into a protracted military conflict that claimed thousands of lives, including 3,095 civilians, and displaced over 2 million Ukrainians. A ceasefire was reached in 2020, but fighting occasionally breaks out.