Russian President Vladimir Putin made an announcement that stunned the world on Monday when he recognized the separatist-held republics of eastern Ukraine.
A few residents gathered to celebrate the announcements in the separatist-held city of Donetsk.
Observers view the recognition as a new escalation in the conflict that has killed over 14,000 people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the move as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.