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Russia Will Defend Donetsk and Lugansk – Moscow Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov confirmed Moscow will act as a guarantor of security and integrity of two breakaway Donbass republics in Donetsk and Lugansk. “Treaties of friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance have been signed between Russia and these new states, in which we promise to safeguard their security,” the foreign minister told Russia 24 TV channel. “I think everyone understands that.” Donetsk and Lugansk declared their autonomy from Kiev in 2014 following the events of the Maidan, when violent demonstrations served as an ouster for Ukraine’s elected government. Until Monday, Russia had not recognized their status as sovereign entities.