"Russian people are Russian people wherever they are. And now, the Russian people in the Donbass are in danger. Russia must defend and protect the people in the Donbass and they themselves want that", Vlk said. "I support the decision of Moscow to recognise the DPR and LPR".
"The recognition will help prevent further escalation of conflict and save the people from the danger they are in", the official underscored.
"Tens of thousands of refugees are already in Russia, fleeing the Donbass to Russia", Vlk added. "No one in the 21 at century, almost 77 years after World War II should feel insecure economically or even be at life risk, and no one should tolerate US and NATO claims".
Vlk's remarks came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would be formally recognising the LPR and DPR as sovereign states and as several world figures reacted to the development.
Among the critics were the UK, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, among other officials.