As tensions spiral between Russia and Ukraine, Donetsk and Luhansk applied officially to Russia for recognition of their independence, said Russian Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission in India, Roman Babushkin, on February 23, in a virtual press conference. “Today Donetsk and Luhansk applied officially to Russia for recognition of their independence. But from the very beginning, US started its internal influence in domestic affairs in countries on all post-Soviet space, including Ukraine,” said Russian Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission in India.