MOSCOW, September 20 (RAPSI) — The People's Council of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has adopted the law on a referendum on the issue of the region’s accession to the Russian Federation on Tuesday; the document is a legislative initiative of DPR Head Denis Pushilin, according to the Telegram channel of the DPR government.

The adopted law provides for the right of the Republic’s citizens, including those who are currently outside its territory, and have reached the age of 18, with the exception of citizens recognized by the court as legally incapable, to take part in the vote.

The referendum will be held from 23 to 27 September.

Earlier, a similar law was adopted in the Lugansk People's Republic.

Russia recognized the sovereignty of the LPR and DPR on February 21. On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and LPR Head Leonid Pasechnik signed an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two states. Later, the independence of the republics was recognized by Syria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Russia recognized the sovereignty of the LPR and DPR on February 21. On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin and LPR head Leonid Pasechnik signed an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between the two states. Later, the independence of the republics was recognized by Syria and the DPRK.