(21 Feb 2022) Some residents of rebel-controlled Donetsk celebrated with fireworks after Russia's decision to recognize the independence of Ukraine's two separatists' regions, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees Monday recognizing the independence of the regions, in a move which has been seen as a possible precursor to a military invasion of Ukraine.
Waving Russian flags and chanting "Russia, Russia", residents came to streets to celebrate the news.
Aleksey Muratov, the head of the Donetsk executive committee, called the announcement "another brick in the roadway...to the Russian Federation".
The move was made as shelling continues in areas of eastern Ukraine, and has prompted the United States and the European Union to say they will impose sanctions.
In addition, following Putin's recognition of independence, the Kremlin said he had ordered forces to maintain peace in eastern Ukraine.
It is not immediately clear whether or when troops would enter the country.
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