MOSCOW, June 29 (RAPSI) — Syria has decided to recognize the independence of the self-proclaimed Lugansk and Donetsk People's Republics.

By embodying the common will and desire to improve relations in all areas, the Syrian Arab Republic has decided to recognize the independence and sovereignty of both the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement published by the SANA state news agency.

In mid-June, the SAR authorities initiated the procedure for officially recognition of the sovereignty of the LNR and the DNR.

Russia recognized the sovereignty of the self-proclaimed republics on February 21. A few days later, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a special military operation in Ukraine.