Ukrainian soldiers at a frontline position in eastern Ukraine on February 22. Photo: NY Times

The Foreign Ministry’s statement wrote that Russia aimed towards comprehensive cooperation with the Republics, for the right of their residents to live in peace and protect their legitimate rights and interests.

Both Russian Lower and Upper House echoed the move, calling it the only solution to prevent humanitarian disaster and end the war in Donbass.

Both sides would establish friendship and respecting mutual national sovereignty and territorial integrity and settle disputes by peaceful means on the basis of equity and non-interference, according to an agreement approved by the Federation Council, the upper chamber of the Federal Assembly.