"We have no other choice, there is no other way": Shoigu and Lavrov on recognizing the sovereignty of Donetsk and Luhansk

The purpose of today's Security Council meeting is to determine actions regarding Donbas, considering the requests from the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics to recognize their sovereignty. This was announced today, February 21, during a consultation of the Russian Security Council by President Putin.

Addressing the situation around Donbas, the President stated that the negotiation process is at an impasse. Shoigu expressed his view on the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk, saying, "We have no other choice, there is no other way." Regarding the matter, Lavrov added, "I see no other path." Concluding the meeting, President Putin stated that a final decision would be announced later today, in the evening.