In a picture currently circulating on social media, the watch of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu can be seen signing the recognition of the Russian separatist strongholds of Luhansk and Donesk. The clock reads 12:47 p.m. – before the separatists even asked the Russian government for recognition.
President Vladimir Putin took off his watch as a precaution – but a picture is now circulating that shows him again with a wristwatch shortly after the security conference when the decree was signed. It is difficult to tell what time is on it. While some observers assume it is 1:15 p.m., others see it just before 3 p.m. on the same image.
Officials have reported that the separatists first applied for assistance. This was then discussed at the security conference and the support decree was only signed in the evening – this was how it was communicated to Russian and international media. The Ministry of Defense said the Secretary of Defense’s clock was set back five hours because he was traveling in different time zones and forgot to correct them forward again. It is still unclear when the soldiers will be sent to the pro-Russian separatist strongholds. Putin also instructed the State Department to establish diplomatic relations with both regions.
