BREAKING: Putin recognizes separatist 'republics' in Ukraine in likely prelude to war
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a combative, hour-long address on Monday that he will recognize two breakaway "republics" in eastern Ukraine as independent.The separatists don't hold all of the territory they claim and have asked for Russian military assistance. Recognition could thus be a de facto declaration of war from Putin.
At a time when the White House continues to warn of an imminent, large-scale invasion, Putin's latest moves could be interpreted as a sign that his immediate military focus is on the eastern Donbas region and not on the capital, Kyiv.the first step in a broader military operation that won't be limited to the Donbas.
Secretary of State Tony Blinken had said such recognition would also "call into further question Russia’s stated commitment to continue to engage in diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution of this crisis, and necessitate a swift and firm response from the United States in full coordination with our Allies and partners."Putin began his address with a lengthy rendition of Ukraine's history as he sees it.
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