Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to distribute Russian passports to separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk in Eastern Ukraine, three days after the Ukrainian presidential elections. This move provoked concern and was protested by the EU and the US as interference in Ukraine's internal affairs. Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko called for the issue to be addressed by the UN Security Council. The strategy resembles previous actions by Russia before annexing territories like South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Crimea. The Minsk agreements aimed at peace in Eastern Ukraine are now seen as ineffective. The situation escalated in 2014 when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych sought refuge in Russia, leading to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions declaring independence after a referendum, which was not recognized by Kiev and Western countries. The conflict has seen various phases, including a ceasefire and the Minsk-1 and Minsk-2 processes, but full implementation has not been achieved. The recent passport distribution decision is seen as a significant strategic move by Russia, potentially paving the way for military action to protect Russian citizens abroad. Ukraine's response includes strengthening defense capabilities and increasing international sanctions against Russia. The election of Volodimir Zelenskiy as the new President of Ukraine, with high support from Russian-speaking Eastern Ukraine, raises questions about the future of the region and Russia's influence.