But it does. Making this 'official' when you're on the brink of invading a country is a very reckless move.
It draws out some initial sanctions, and it taunts the Ukraine military into attacking the Russians.
Again, according to Ukraine/NATO/US/UK the Separatists do not exist as entity. Its all Russian army ever since 2014. This simply calls Kettle a Kettle officially.
Russia already has sanctions for invading Donbass and having its army there. Nothing has changed.