The beginnings of World War III? Putin boldly declares that all of Ukraine belongs to Russia, recognizes the independence of the separatist provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk; Russian troops being sent in for ‘peacekeeping functions’

Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

The proverbial s**t is hitting the fan. Via the BBC - 

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has recognised breakaway rebel regions in Ukraine's east as independent states. 

The self-declared people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk are home to Russia-backed rebels who have been fighting Ukrainian forces since 2014. 

Russia's move is likely to end peace talks in the region, which has been under a tenuous ceasefire for years. 

Western powers also fear it could pave the way for Russian military forces to enter Ukraine's eastern regions. 

Shortly after the announcement, Mr Putin signed an order for troops to perform so-called "peacekeeping functions" in both regions. The extent of the mission remains unclear, but if troops cross the border it would be the first time Russian soldiers have officially entered rebel-held territory. 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the move amounted to "a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine" and breaks international law. He called it "a very ill omen and a very dark sign". Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the UK would announce new sanctions on Russia on Tuesday. 

The EU pledged to "react with unity, firmness and with determination in solidarity with Ukraine". 

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected the suggestion that Russian troops would have a peacekeeping brief, telling reporters: "It's unacceptable, it's unprovoked, it's unwarranted ... some suggestion that they are peacekeeping is nonsense." 

The move by Vladimir Putin deepens the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, which is surrounded by more than 150,000 Russian troops on its borders. Russia has denied planning to invade, but the US believes Mr Putin is preparing an imminent attack. (Read more) 

Meanwhile, President Biden is making it clear the United States means business, imposing sanctions prohibiting trade and investment in the two breakaway provinces, and the United Nations Security Council will be holding an emergency meeting. Frankly, war probably cannot be prevented now, and this evil man, Vladimir Putin, cannot be constrained. Ukraine is doomed, and the other former Soviet republics are likely not far behind in being reabsorbed into the evil empire.

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