Yes, separate countries. Interesting history lesson in his talk, and he was so correct about the corruption and western meddling and worse.
All Putins been a statesman for many years, he’s also an Attorney.....so when he decides something he recognizes clearly the legality hoops that need to be met......Russia’s agreements with the “LPR and DPR” give the right to use military infrastructure and military bases on each other’s territory, and joint protection of the borders of Donbass.
However all of this back and for the between Putin and Nato/US has been going on for decades....And Putins red line has always been Ukraine. So they all knew eventually this was coming if they wouldn’t agree to security for Russia. And here we are.