Vladimir Putin signs decree annexing 4 Ukrainian regions to Russia

Russia on Wednesday formally completed the annexation of four Ukrainian territories it captured days ago.

President Vladimir Putin signed laws admitting the Ukraininan areas of Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), Kherson region and Zaporizhzhia region into Russia.

With this official decree, Russian has now reportedly captured 15% of war-ravaged Ukraine.

Kremlin also confirmed the developments stating that Putin has signed four federal laws on annexation of the four areas, besides signing relevant laws on ratification.

Earlier Russia had declared ‘independence’ of the disputed territories claiming that the move has emerged following referendums in the areas, which sought separation from Kyiv.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the West condemned the move as it cited breach of international law adding that the action was coercive and non-representative.’

Also watch: Ukraine war: Putin signs treaties absorbing Ukrainian regions