Russia Orders Troops Into Eastern Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two rebel-held regions in eastern Ukraine, after recognising them as independent states.

Footage released overnight appeared to show Russian military vehicles heading towards the Ukrainian border with Russia claimimg the troops would be “peacekeeping” in the breakaway regions, which it has backed since 2014. But the US said calling them peacekeepers was a ploy and accused Russia of creating a pretext for war.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s president said his country was not afraid of anything or anyone. In a late-night televised address to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky called for “clear and effective actions of support” from Ukraine’s international allies.

Several countries, including the UK, are considering introducing new sanctions against Russia in response to the move.

Fears over an invasion have been rising in recent months, as Russia has massed some 150,000 troops along Ukraine’s borders, according to US estimates.

At an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield dismissed Russia’s claims that troops would be taking on a “peacekeeping” role, saying: “We know what they really are.”

Russia has been backing a bloody armed rebellion in eastern Ukraine for the past eight years. In an hour-long address on Monday, Mr Putin said Ukraine was an integral part of his country’s history, and described eastern Ukraine as “ancient Russian lands”.

Western powers have rallied behind Ukraine, promising harsh sanctions against Russia if it invades – though it is not yet clear how effective this move could be.