Ukraine's outgoing President Petro Poroshenko considers the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to simplify the procedure for Donbass residents to get Russian passports is the attempt of Russia to justify its military presence in Donbas.

"The illegal issuance of passports of the Russian Federation according to the so-called South Ossetia and Transdniestria scenario is an attempt to justify and legitimize Russia's military presence in the occupied territory of Donbas," Poroshenko said in a video message.

President Petro Poroshenko said the Kremlin’s action violated international law.