By recognizing “LPR/DPR” Russia to withdraw from Minsk accords - Reznikov

If the State Duma of Russia votes to recognize the so-called "LPR" and "DPR" as independent states, it will equal Russia's rejection of the Minsk accords.

That’s according to Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov, who spoke at a briefing in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"I believe it will be an obvious step on the part Russia of withdrawing from the Minsk accords, a demonstration that they are, in fact, abandoning the Minsk deal, which, while not being an international legal act, are political and diplomatic accords that have even been reached and even green-lighted by the UN Security Council, "Reznikov said.

According to Reznikov, he has a feeling that Russia will not dare recognize the so-called “republics.” He also branded as “provocation” the initiative for possible recognition of "LPR/ DPR."

"Such initiatives by the Russian Communists are also provocations designed to make us anxious. We will not be anxious about this," the defense chief said.

As reported earlier, on January 19, 2022, lawmakers with Russia’s Communist Party tabled in the State Duma a draft appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the need to recognize the so-called "LPR” and “DPR.” The relevant draft is to be considered by the State Duma in February.