Ukraine crisis: Russia orders troops into rebel-held regions

2022-02-22 17:34:26

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two rebel-held regions in eastern Ukraine, after recognising them as independent states. Russia said the troops have not yet been deployed but will be "peacekeeping" in the regions, which it has backed since 2014. The US said calling them peacekeepers was "nonsense", and accused Russia of creating a pretext for war. Several countries have announced sanctions in response. 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. "It is very important to see now who our real friend and partner is, and who will continue to scare the Russian Federation with words only," he added.