Mufti of Moscow Backs Putin Decision on East Ukraine Regions
Albir Krganov said the move is justifiable and safeguards people’s lives, RT Arabic reported.
He said the Muslims of Russia understand the issue of separation of the two regions from Ukraine and welcome it.
“I believe the decision to recognize the independence of Lugansk and Donetsk republics is justified,” he stated, adding that Russia’s move is not aimed at harming anyone but rather helping to prevent civilian deaths.
Krganov said when negotiations fail, a decision has to be made because people are waiting.
Such a decision was not an easy one but it was made based on the views of the society, experts and Russia’s security council, he stated.
Putin on Monday signed a decree recognizing the breakaway regions as independent republics, telling Russia’s defense ministry to deploy troops into the two regions.
He made the announcement live on television after an emotional address in which he referred to eastern Ukraine as “ancient Russian lands” and said it was “managed by foreign powers”.
“I deem it necessary to make a decision that should have been made a long time ago - to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic,” the Russian president added.
