Russian-backed separatists in east Ukraine would expect Russia's army to fight with them against Ukrainian government forces if Moscow follows through on a parliamentary proposal to recognise their independence, a pro-Kremlin lawmaker said on Thursday.
Alexander Borodai made the comment after 11 lawmakers proposed that parliament ask President Vladimir Putin to recognise the independence of the breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-war-necessary-if-russia-recognises-breakaway-regions-pro-kremlin-mp-2022-01-20/
Independence makes perfect sense after years of Ukrainian procrastination. A region of millions of people cannot exist for years in legal limbo.