MOSCOW, September 30. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked the people of Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics and Kherson and Zaporozhye regions for their decision to join Russia, speaking at the accession treaties signing ceremony Friday.

"In the recent days, the people in Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporozhye advocated restoration of our historic unity. I thank you," Putin said.

These words of the President sparked a round of applause. The ceremony was attended by State Duma lawmakers, senators, heads of regions, members of the government, as well as delegations from the people’s republics and the two regions.