Putin cites Kosovo during talks with Guterres, as a model of independence for Donetsk and Luhanscu

Putin has used Kosovo as an excuse to justify the Russian invasion of Donbas and nearby plans for the division of the region from Ukraine.

I personally read all the documents of the International Court of Justice for the situation in Kosovo. I remember well in my decision that one or another territory to exercise self - determination is not obliged to ask permission to declare sovereignty. This is an international court ruling. This decision was also backed by all”, Putin was quoted as saying.

Putin has declared that Luhansk and Donetsk have the same right as Kosovo, since, according to him, a precedent has already been created.

This is the first meeting between Putin and Guterres since the beginning of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Today, during the day, he has also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.