In two separate video addresses, leaders of eastern Ukraine's Luhansk and Donetsk regions on Monday both appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize their independence, according to RIA.

Denis Pushilin of Donetsk also asked Putin to consider the possibility of concluding a cooperation agreement and the possibility of interaction in the defense sector.

He said their residents feel Russian in spirit and their main goal is integration with Russia.

Leonid Pasechnik of Luhansk said a humanitarian catastrophe in the region was avoided only thanks to Russian assistance.

(With input from agencies)