PUTIN RECOGNIZES INDEPENDENCE OF RUSSIAN-BACKED SEPARATIST REGIONS IN EASTERN UKRAINE

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent entities on Monday, upping the ante in a crisis the West fears could unleash a major war.

In a lengthy televised address, Putin described Ukraine as an integral part of Russia's history and said eastern Ukraine was ancient Russian lands and he was confident that the Russian people would support his decision.

Russian state television showed Putin, joined by Russia-backed separatist leaders, signing a decree recognizing the independence of the two Ukrainian breakaway regions along with agreements on cooperation and friendship.

Putin had announced his decision in phone calls to the leaders of Germany and France, both of whom voiced disappointment, the Kremlin said. He was later shown on state television signing the decree.

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