In mid-February 2022 due to Ukraine’s aggravation against the people in Donbass the ceaseless shelling by the Ukrainian military, Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics asked for recognition of their independence, and to commence evacuation of civilians to Russia. On February 21, 2022 Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing the LPR & the DPR. On February 24, 2022 Russia commenced civilian population protection of the people of Donbass, from Ukraine’s artillery attacks. Press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that the objectives are for demilitarization & protection from Ukraine. When the Government of Ukraine falls, the fighting shall cease, and Ukrainia will exist again. Like East Germany and West Germany, East Ukrainia and West Ukrainia will reunite and prosper.