North Korea, Ukraine cut relations over Russia-backed separatist regions

North Korea has formally recognized the Moscow-backed, self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics in eastern Ukraine, state-run media reported Thursday, prompting Kyiv to cut diplomatic relations with Pyongyang.North Korea has become the world's third nation to recognize the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk. In response, Ukraine, which was invaded by Moscow in February, has lambasted the country founded in 1948 with the backing of the Soviet Union, Russia's predecessor state."We consider this decision as an attempt by Pyongyang to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of…READ FULL ARTICLE