Russia Allies Split on Ukrainian Separatist Recognition

On February 21st, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the self-declared Luhansk and Donetsk Peoples Republic that broke away from Ukrainian in 2014. Three days later a salvo of more than 100 Kalibr cruise missiles, more than 100 tac-air sorties, and more than 50,000 Russian troops crossed into Ukraine to enact regime change in its former satellite neighbor. However, after severe international condemnation, the Russian Federation has been hard pressed to find allies who will recognize the two separatist republics.