Russia's parliament ratifies Putin's deals with Donetsk, LuhanskFebruary 22, 2022 - 18:30 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia’s parliament on Tuesday, February 22 voted to ratify President Vladimir Putin’s agreements with east Ukraine’s breakaway regions, a day after the Russian leader recognized their independence, AFP reports. Under the agreements, Russia will be able to send troops, set up military bases and jointly defend the territories of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR). The lower house of the Russian parliament, the Duma, voted unanimously to approve the deals. The voting ended in standing applause from MPs. “This is the only way to protect people, stop the fratricidal war, prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, and bring peace,” the Duma’s chairman, Vyacheslav Volodin, said in comments published on the parliament’s website. The Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament, then also ratified the deals with all senators voting in favor. “This was a long-awaited decision,” Federation Council head Valentina Matviyenko said after the vote. “Today’s ratification of these agreements opens a new life, new possibilities for the residents of Donetsk and Lugansk,” she said. Putin recognized the Donetsk and Lugansk republics on Monday, despite repeated Western warnings that this would result in sanctions. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Court in Azerbaijan extends former Karabakh leader’s arrest by 5 months The Binagadi District Court in Azerbaijan has granted the prosecutor’s petition to extend the arrest of Arkady Ghukasyan. Ucom General Director joins High-Tech Development Panel Discussion The discussion was titled "The Role of International Corporations and Investors as Catalysts for Development of High-Tech Ecosystem." U.S. still believes “peace is possible” between Armenia, Azerbaijan The United States continues to believe that peace is possible between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vedant Patel says. Dozens detained as antigovernment protest continue in Armenia At least 63 people demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation were detained on May 14 as they blocked streets in Yerevan. |