Does the “Novorossiya project” have a perspective for statehood on the international recognition of newly-created states

Abstract

The article explores the prospects of future development of the two state formation in the South-East of Ukraine, i.e. the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic. Considered is the creation of Novorossiya as a confederal «Union of People's Republics» and the subsequent freezing of the project. Turning to the principles of international law that define the norms of recognition of the newly-born states, the articles underlines the sharp contradictions of the international practice in this field. Analyzing the problem, the author cites the criteria for statehood formulated in the Montevideo Convention. In this connection, the case of Transnistria Moldavian Republic is analyzed. As is shown in the article, the principles and norms governing the diplomatic recognition of states are very complicated. Historically, the international law favored the recognition of the states but not territories or communities occupying them. However, in recent years some scholars have argued that the territories and communities have a moral right to secede, granted that there are sufficient reasons for doing so. Indicated are the grounds for such secession.