MOSCOW. Feb 21 (Interfax) - Director of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) Alexander Bortnikov has spoken out in favor of recognizing the self-proclaimed Donetsk (DPR) and Luhansk (LPR) People's republics.
"For several years already, the Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics, citizens of these republics have been looking with hope and have been asking the Russian Federation to protect them," Bortnikov said at a meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday.
"I am absolutely confident that it is necessary to realize their right and to protect them," he said.
Recognition of the DPR and the LPR "will contribute to it," he said.