Putin signs decrees recognizing independence of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees early Friday recognizing the  independence of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine.

Referendums on joining Russia were held between Sept. 23-27 in the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, which are under the control of pro-Russian army, and in the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a ceremony will be held at the Grand Kremlin Palace on Sept. 30 for the incorporation of the regions into Russia.