Head of the Russian Security Council, Dmytro Medvedev, at the head of an official delegation from the Russian Federation, visited the separatist regions of Donbas, located in eastern Ukraine, on Thursday to hold talks with the leaders of the separatists on the priority measures that must be taken to ensure the security of the Donbas republics, according to Putin’s instructions. AFP.

This is one of the largest Russian delegations to visit eastern Ukraine since Moscow’s offensive began on February 24.

In a statement published on Telegram, Medvedev said that he “held a discussion on the priority measures that must be taken to ensure the security of the Donbas republics, in accordance with the instructions of the President of Russia” Vladimir Putin.

Medvedev also said that “special attention was paid to the harmonization of the legislation” of the separatist regions with the Russian one, as well as to the repair of infrastructure and the preparation of schools before the start of the new academic year.

Head of the FSB and Minister of Internal Affairs of Russia in the delegation led by Medvedev

The delegation also included Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Russia Serhiy Kiriyenko, Minister of Internal Affairs Volodymyr Kolokoltsev and head of the FSB Oleksandr Bortnikov.

Dmitry Medvedev, who was president from 2008 to 2012 and then prime minister from 2012 to 2020, is now the vice president of Russia’s Security Council.

In the east of Ukraine, the delegation had several meetings, in particular with the leader of the separatists from Luhansk, Leonid Pasechinyk, and the leader of the neighboring Donetsk region, Denys Pushylin.

The two entities split in 2014 with Moscow’s support and expanded as a result of Russia’s offensive against Ukraine this year. Moscow considers these territories to be states that the international community does not recognize.

Dmitry Medvedev’s visit comes at a time when Moscow is suspected of plans to annex large areas of Ukraine. The separatist government has openly advocated joining Russia, and pro-Russian occupation administrations in the south are preparing to hold referendums on accession, some of which could be held as early as next month. (Source Agerpres)