DONETSK in Ukraine (Reuters). Several residents of DONETSK expressed happiness and gratitude over Russia’s recognition of their independence Tuesday. Others were more worried about the next step.

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia on Monday recognized Donetsk People’s Republics as self-proclaimed and also signed friendship treaties. These agreements will allow Russia to deploy troops and create military bases.

This was an illegal act and could signal a Russian invasion. So the West began to put sanctions on it.

It was certainly due for Donetsk residents, where Moscow-backed separatists fought Ukrainian government forces in an ongoing conflict, which Kyiv claims has claimed cost 15,000 lives.

This is extremely important to me. It is important for me to know that my blood, the sweat and tears of my fellow soldiers and our efforts as well as the civilian casualties were not wasted,” stated Dmitry. He was a former soldier in a pro-Russian separatist militia.

As part of Monday’s agreements, he was eager for the arrival of Russian soldiers.

Russian troops: “The Donbass’ great people have endured so much. They need help now.” He said that they’ve seen enough blood and enough death.

An estimated dozen vehicles, each carrying large Russian tricolor flags in their rearview mirrors and honking their cars loudly made its way through central Moscow. “Russia, hoorah!” One driver shouted, “Russia! Hoorah!”

A witness at Reuters stated that Donetsk’s residents tried to live their daily lives normally, whether they were walking with their kids or going shopping at the local market. The wedding was held at the hotel.

Six blasts, however, were heard later in the center of the city. It was unclear where they came from. According to Reuters, a diplomatic source said that shelling was resumed along the contact line between the Ukrainian government forces and the separatists.

“EVERYONE IS SERIOUS”

Irina is a woman aged 40 who said Russia’s decision had been expected but that people didn’t know how to react.

She said that “I don’t know what will happen” and added that everyone was at loss.

It’s unwise to fight if there are Russian troops. Russia is an immense power that can be mighty and nuclear.

A Reuters reporter saw a few tanks near Donetsk and two others in different parts of Donetsk. Spokesman for the Kremlin said that he couldn’t confirm whether Russia has already sent military troops.

Vyacheslav (a man aged 60) said he hoped that the Russian troop deployment would end Ukraine’s provocative actions. He also added, “I think both sides will think about it and make a decision to start peace negotiations.”

Karina was a young woman in her twenties who burst into tears when she shared her emotions.

She stated, “To be completely honest, it’s such a depressing position right now that you don’t know what kind of decision this is really and whether it will lead to peace.”

Karina spoke out about the recent decision of separatist administrations to evacuate thousands of children and mothers from Donetsk. Everyone is actually very afraid.”