The United States and Britain warn this is the beginning of a Russian invasion, as Moscow orders the deployment of troops to the eastern region of Ukraine
It’s not yet clear whether Russia has actually deployed troops to eastern Ukraine, but authorisation has been given for Putin to use his country’s military abroad.
Putin has formally recognised the borders of the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk
Western countries have united, imposing sanctions on Russia following the swift and severe escalation in tensions over Ukraine.
Germany has put its major gas pipeline with Russia on hold.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into two separatist pro-Russia regions after recognising their independence on Monday.
The upper house in Moscow has voted to allow Putin to use the military abroad.
The European Union bloc has moved to enact measures against Russian individuals and entities connected with the decision to recognise the two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
The measures will hit Moscow’s lower house of parliament, Russian banks, and prohibit the Russian state from accessing the EU’s financial markets.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assays the measures will be wide-ranging, adding Europe is united and acting fast.
Von der Leyen’s comments follow Germany’s move to put the major gas pipeline from Russia, known as Nord Stream 2, on hold.
The Commission president says Europe is far too dependent on Moscow for energy supplies, and the union needs to diversify supplies.
Europe’s sanctions are in response to increasing Russian aggression and expected military presence within Eastern Ukraine.
Von der Leyen warns the Kremlin is “not supporting international obligations”.
Meanwhile, NATO’s Secretary-General says this crisis was created by one country, and one country alone.
