In an article for New Europe, Greg Austin writes that until recently, the term “Novorossiya” was used by Russian official news agencies only to reflect its identification by others. However, in late June, in reporting by RIA Novosti and ITAR-TASS—the official Russian news agencies—the territory seems to have joined the ranks of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as an independent territory.

While many throughout the world have been focusing on Ukraine-Russia negotiations and cease fire discussions, a very different reality exists on the ground. At least for now, the Russian government is remaining silent on the issue.

Read the full article here.