Syria Becomes Second Nation to Recognize Donbass Republics

Russia recognized the region’s independence in February of this year.

QUICK FACTS:
  • Syria became the second nation to recognize the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republic’s respective independence, according to a Russian media outlet.
  • Donetsk and Lugansk announced their intention to declare independence from Ukraine in 2014, and Russia announced that they would recognize that independence in February of this year just before their military incursion into Ukraine.
  • The Syrian Arab News Agency reportedly announced Wednesday that the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Damascus was officially looking to establish relations with the recently emancipated nations.
  • The two republics make up the Donbass region, which has been in constant conflict with Ukrainian military forces since 2014.
  • Due to Syria’s military entanglements with Russia, their allegiance to the Eastern European region’s cause could be seen as an expected sign of an alliance between the nations.
SYRIA’S STATEMENT ON THE RECOGNITION CHANGE:
  • “The Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic,” the statement, quoting an unnamed official, said.
  • “Embodying the common will and desire to establish relations in all fields, the Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of both the Lugansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic,” another report quoted from Syrian officials.
BACKGROUND:
  • Thousands of Syrian volunteers are reportedly participating in Russia’s military operation in the two republics in Donbass. 
  • The nations of Belarus, Nicaragua, Sudan, and Venezuela have not recognized the two Donbass republics, but have stated their support for Russia’s recognition of the claim to independence.

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