OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier has condemned the Russian president's decision on the recognition of documents issued in the occupied territories of Donbas.
In an interview with "Radio Liberty", published on 19 February, he noted that the presidential decree is a step back from the already very distant goal to stop the war in Donbas.
The decision to recognize these "documents", "of course, actually means ... the recognition of those who issue these 'documents'".
OSCE Secretary General said that this step Russia will complicate the implementation of the Minsk agreements.
The decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 18, 2017 said that Russia recognizes the identity documents, documents on education and/or qualifications, the certificates of marriage or the termination thereof, change of name, death, certificates on the registration of vehicles, registration plates of vehicles.
The US Embassy in Ukraine said that the recognition of Russian passports by the "DPR" and "LPR" is contrary to the objectives of the Minsk process to settle the situation in the east of Ukraine.