Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed treaties with the leaders of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine that give Russia the right to build military bases in those areas, Reuters reports.
The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic were formed in 2014, and Putin on Monday officially recognized them as independent states. The 10-year friendship treaties are identical, and have been submitted by Putin to parliament for ratification. Reuters notes that "on paper," the treaties also give leaders of the separatist regions the right to build military bases in Russia.
Additionally, the treaties state that Russia, the Donetsk People's Republic, and the Luhansk People's Republic will work to integrate their economies. Read more at Reuters.