The LPR declared independence from Ukraine in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, along with Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Republic of Crimea. An ongoing armed conflict with Ukraine followed its declaration of independence. The LPR and DPR receive humanitarian assistance from Russia. According to NATO and Ukraine, Russia had also provided military aid to the rebels, a claim that Russia denies. Putin defends rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine, BBC News (19 December 2019) Ukraine conflict: Front-line troops begin pullout, BBC News (29 October 2019)