The self-proclaimed regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine have been recognized by Russian President Putin as an independent states.

President Putin, signing the declaration in Moscow last night, has deployed troops to “establish peace” in the region bordering Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the two separatist regions of eastern Ukraine as independent states. Both areas are known as pro-Russian rebel-held states.

The region, which has been fighting against Ukraine since 2014, has been declared new independent states by Putin as hostilities with Ukraine escalate. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country’s borders would remain the same. He says the Russian declaration has challenged Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity.

Earlier, in 2014, Russia also annexed the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea. Following the annexation of Crimea by Russia, Luhansk and Donetsk declared independence. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russia of destabilizing the region and providing fighters and weapons.

Russia has objected to Ukraine’s bid to join the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Western nations have previously warned Russia against imposing threat on Ukraine. Meanwhile, a meeting of the UN Security Council has been convened to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine. Ukraine has demanded that its representatives be included in the meeting.