The move follows the recognition of separatist territories in eastern Ukraine as "independent." International leaders have strongly criticized the decision and vowed new sanctions. Follow DW for the latest.



Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his Defense Ministry to send Russian troops into eastern Ukraine's two breakaway regions, according to a decree published early on Tuesday after he said Moscow would recognize their independence.

The Kremlin said Putin ordered the Russian forces to "maintain peace" in eastern Ukraine.

The decree did not specify when any such deployment would take place. However, the move raises tensions, as Western leaders have warned Moscow could use a skirmish in the restive region as an excuse for a Russian attack.

Earlier Monday, Putin signed the decree stating Moscow recognizes the "independence" of the breakaway Ukrainian territories of Luhansk and Donetsk, parts of which are held by pro-Russia separatists.



How has US responded so far?

US President Joe Biden said he "condemned" President Putin's decision to recognize the "independence" of separatist regions in eastern Ukraine during a call with Ukrainian President
Volodymr Zelenskiy, the White House said.

The White House said that Biden has spoken with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron on how they will continue to coordinate their response.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that there must be a "swift and firm" response to Putin's recognition of the two breakaway republics.

Blinken said that the decision represents a complete rejection of Russia's commitments under the

Minsk agreements and contradicts Russia's "commitment to diplomacy." He added that states have an obligation not to recognize a new state created through the threat or use of force.

EU leaders vow sanctions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel also condemned Putin's decision, saying it is a "blatant violation of international law as well as of the Minsk agreements."

"The union will react with sanctions against those involved in this illegal act," a statement from the two leaders said. "The union reiterates its unwavering support to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders."
NATO condemns recognition by Putin

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemned of the move, saying "this further undermines Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, erodes efforts towards a resolution of the conflict, and violates the Minsk Agreements, to which Russia is a party," he added.

"Moscow continues to fuel the conflict in eastern Ukraine by providing financial and military support to the separatists. It is also trying to stage a pretext to invade Ukraine once again."

FERNANDEZISBACK:
He should thread carefully cos he's going beyond bounds..
This man really takes himself as what exactly?

techWriter3:


I pity Ukraine -- regardless of the outcome this, they will still suffer.

FERNANDEZISBACK:

Both sides..
As a matter of fact all party involved..

techWriter3:


How would Russia lose? Remember "Ukrainians" are the ones fighting themselves on Ukraine soil , and they cant match the firepower of Russia.

Validated:
All these useless anakysis ... how do they benefit Nigeria?

Validated:
All these useless anakysis ... how do they benefit Nigeria?

FERNANDEZISBACK:

Loss is different from casualties..
The Russians are also likely to come up with casualties even tho they successfully invade Ukraine..

FERNANDEZISBACK:

Loss is different from casualties..
The Russians are also likely to come up with casualties even tho they successfully invade Ukraine..

BSsniffer:
I hope to see both sides fvck each other up, if possible the whole of EU/NATO Vs Russia/China...bomb and kill each other with their numerous nukes and bombs. my money's on Russia/China.

OneCorner:

China will only fight a proxy war and it will be in the later part of the war cuz it will want to maintain a steady economy at the end of the war so as to be the world power... same thing USA did during ww2

ViperAda:

Does Ukraine has the capacities?
How about Russia's invasion of Crimea which was the smoothest invasion of modern times.
All these NL kids sef.

-Viper

techWriter3:


Okay, but imagine what they stand to benefit relative to that of Ukraine's; and you would realise that their potential loss is minute.

MeinFuhrer:


The eastern european subhumans in crimea got btfu by the west, nigger. You're making a silly bet.

BSsniffer:


Technically America would be also fighting a proxy war.

FERNANDEZISBACK:

What do they stand to benefit?

OneCorner:

That’s why it won’t want to attack Russia...
If America does, even by dropping a single hand grenade on Russia’s soil, the remaining power left of Putin will be use to face America... he’s gonna drop every of his remain nukes on America

FERNANDEZISBACK:

Baby boy no one is disputing the strength of Russia against Ukraine just have it in mind that they won't be leaving without some damages on their side..

MeinFuhrer:


Yeah this is modern warfare nigger, it's not only about physical abilities, it doesn't matter if the guy who flies the drone is a tranny, as long as he has the technical ability and the drone is available to him, something niggers can't understand.

BSsniffer:


The United States has a responsibility to protect it's allies in Europe. if talks totally break down between the US and Russia it's certain that they'd have to go to war, but they most likely may not engage their nukes.

OneCorner:
At the end of the day, countries like Ukraine and some other countries caught in between the mess will be the one to suffer the pain
All USA and Uk can do is to issue threats, they can’t attach Russia
Cuz like Putin said, his country possess Nuclear bombs and at the end of the day, there won’t be winners. Putin will nuke US and uK, and they will nuke Russia in return which will make countries like China as the new world super power

Putin got leverage and USA won’t risk Russia turning its land as testing ground for nukes and losing its position as world power over Ukraine