LUHANSK. Dec 17 (Interfax) - Direct cooperation between Russia and the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk people's republics (LPR, DPR) could help their economies and improve public sentiment in Donbas, Rodion Miroshnik, advisor to the head of the LPR and Luhansk's representative to the Trilateral Contact Group, said.
"Donbas needs direct cooperation with Russia. That could boost the economy of our republics," Miroshnik told Interfax on Thursday.
Direct cooperation between Russia and the self-proclaimed Donbas republics could give the economy of the LPR "access to markets, reopen jobs, and establish transparent interaction with Russian economic entities."
"It would also cheer the people in Donbas up and would strengthen [the republic's] position in negotiations with the Ukrainian side," Miroshnik said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his annual press conference on Thursday that Russia will continue to support Donbas.
"Russia has supported and will keep supporting Donbas, and we'll even be stepping up our support for Donbas. This concerns industry, the resolution of social issues, and infrastructural matters," Putin said.
Russia fully understands the complexity of the situation in Donbas, he said.