Independence of DPR, LPR, Crimea's belonging to Russia need to be recognized - Peskov

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - Crimea is a Russian region, while the Luhansk and Donetsk people's republics are sovereign states, and this needs to be recognized de facto and de jure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Journalists asked Peskov on Wednesday to comment on a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said a compromise was possible in the issue of Crimea and Donbas. Journalists asked what compromises Moscow was ready to discuss and whether Donbas might reunite with Ukraine as a compromise.

"You'd better ask the Ukrainian side about nuances. After all, it is a statement by the Ukrainian president. As to our stance, it is well known and has been repeatedly conveyed to the Ukrainian side and numerous interlocutors who spoke with our president over the phone, heads of European and other states. Speaking of Crimea, this is a Russian region, which should be recognized de facto and de jure, while the DPR and the LPR are sovereign, independent nations, which are recognized by Russia. This should be recognized de facto and de jure as well," Peskov said.