What is the US’ response to Putin’s address?

The White House says it is ready to order fresh sanctions against two separatist Ukraine regions, following Putin’s decision to formally recognise the areas.

The Biden administration says the president will sign an executive order shortly, but notes these sanctions are different from those that will be used by the West “should Russia further invade Ukraine”.

The Donetsk and Luhansk have long been contested by Ukraine and Russian-backed Rebels.

Despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement in place, the regions are home to regular violent attacks.

Leaders of both areas sought Putin’s recognition of independence, which the Russian leader has now granted.

This will likely cause widespread panic for Western leaders, who fear this move could be used as a pretext by Russia to invade Ukraine.

German Chancellor Scholz and French President Macron have already expressed their “disappointment” at the decision after weeks of pursuing diplomacy.

Experts warn the recognition of the two regions could lead to Russia sending troops to Ukraine’s east, citing the protection of its citizens as the reason behind the deployment.

The decision was made following Putin’s latest Security Council meeting.

This move will likely escalate fears of an invasion.

US Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby warns if a war does occur, the result will be nothing short of devastating.

The West has been preparing for a Russian invasion of Ukraine for days and while war does seem imminent, the US says it will continue to push for diplomacy.

Putin’s speech

Nato has turned Ukraine into a theatre of war. That’s the message from Russian President Vladamir Putin.

Now Ukraine’s president is set to address the country following Putin’s legendary speech.

A short time ago, Putin spoke for nearly an hour and covered a lot of ground discussing soviet history, saying modern Ukraine was “created” by Russia.

He says It’s “important to understand” that Ukraine has “never had a consistent tradition of being a true nation.”

Putin attacked the idea of Ukraine joining the Nato, saying it would serve as “a direct threat to the security of Russia.”

He believes Ukraine is being controlled from the “outside” and is a puppet of the US and says the country could threaten Russia by acquiring nuclear weapons.

From these comments, NATO chief has condemned Russia’s move to recognise the independence of breakaway republics, which Putin officially declared at the end of his speech.

Right now, Celebrations in Donetsk are in full swing with fireworks in the sky after Putin signed for independence of the region.

The takeaway message from Putin is either the current regime in Moscow survives or Ukraine survives. Putin made that clear.

World leaders react

Reactions from world leaders have been fast and many are in discussions, rallying together as we speak including as Biden, Macros and Scholz.

Putin’s latest move has caused a stir in Europe with a Downing Street spokesperson saying Putin’s plan to invade has effectively already begun.

After reports of Russia moving back troops from the border of Ukraine, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says it’s too soon to tell if the move is genuine.

“[The UK will] judge Russia by its actions,” he says.

Also contributed by Savannah Pocock