Russia's lower house votes to back treaties with breakaway Ukrainian regions
Russian parliamentarians attend a session of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, in Moscow, Russia on 12 May 2021. Photo: Reuters.
Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Tuesday to approve friendship treaties with two self-proclaimed people's republics in eastern Ukraine, escalating a crisis with Ukraine and the West.
The treaties, which enter force once President Vladimir Putin signs them, could pave the way for Moscow to build military bases there, adopt a joint defence posture and tighten economic integration.
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