By Maria Tsvetkova

MOSCOW (Reuters – Russian-backed separatists from east Ukraine expect Russia’s military to support them in fighting against Ukrainian government forces if Moscow accepts a parliamentary recommendation to recognize their independence. A pro-Kremlin lawmaker stated on Thursday.

Alexander Borodai made the comment after 11 lawmakers proposed that parliament ask President Vladimir Putin to recognise https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/might-russia-recognise-independence-breakaway-east-ukraine-regions-2022-01-20 the independence of the breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

After weeks of increasing tensions in Ukraine, such a move by Russia would signal a major escalation. Russian threats and military buildup have raised Western concerns about an imminent invasion. Moscow, however, denies this possibility.

Borodai was a Donetsk politician and now is a Russian parliament member. Borodai said that separatists would turn to Russia to take control of territories they claim to be held by Ukrainian forces.

Borodai said to Reuters, “In the event that (the republics), are recognised, a conflict will be a direct necessity.”

According to him, Russia “would have to accept some security responsibility” and defend these territories. This was after it had recognized two independent regions of Georgia following the 2008 war between Russia, Georgia, and Georgia.

According to Kyiv, in 2014 the separatists gained control over a large part of eastern Ukraine. The conflict has simmered and claimed the lives of 15,000 people. Russia has denied having any troops stationed in this region. Ukraine accuses Russia for being there.

Borodai is a pro-Putin United Russia lawmaker who was prime minister in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic of east Ukraine during the peak of conflict 2014. Borodai is now the leader of an organization for war veterans.

Dmitry Peskov (Kremlin spokesperson) responded to Thursday’s proposal for recognition by saying that he would not be able to comment until the parliament has voted. It is backed by the Communist Party. Although it presents itself as an opposing force, the Communist Party often supports the Kremlin.

Two sources who were familiar with discussions between government officials and Reuters said that recognising regions was being thought about.

However, a source close the separatist leadership stated that the probability of such a move is low as it could trigger punitive sanctions against Russia and potentially lead to serious economic damages.

Orysia Lutevych (a Chatham House think tank in London Ukraine analyst) said that recognition could give Russia a legal excuse to enter Donbass to “protect it” from Ukraine.

It would require a Western response, in the form sanctions on Russia or the bolstering of NATO forces along the alliance’s eastern flank.