Pro-Russian Leaders In Ukraine Ask Putin For Military Against Kyiv

The separatist leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk sent letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking him to "help them repel Ukraine's aggression.

Rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine have asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv, the Kremlin announced late Wednesday, in a move that opens the door for massed Russian troops to move in.

The separatist leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk sent separate letters to Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking him to "help them repel Ukraine's aggression," Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The two letters were published by Russian state media and were both dated February 22.  

Their appeals came after Putin recognised their independence and signed friendship treaties with them that include defence deals.