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.