Afghan Voice Agency(AVA): In the text of these decrees, Putin stated: I issue an order to recognize the sovereignty and independence of Zaporizhia and Kherson regions in southern Ukraine as a country.

 

The media have reported that Russia is preparing to formalize the annexation of these two regions along with the Donetsk and Luhansk republics of Ukraine to its territory today (Friday, September 30).

 

Putin said that these orders will be implemented immediately.

 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the annexation of the four Ukrainian regions to Russia is to be formalized at a ceremony where Putin will deliver an "important" speech.

 

Peskov said, during this ceremony, the rulers of these regions will sign the annexation agreements with Russia in the St. George Kremlin Hall.

 

In response to this action, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for an emergency meeting of the Security and National Defense Council of Ukraine today (Friday).