Putin asks, receives parliamentary permission to use force outside Russia

By AP and ToI Staff 22 February 2022, 6:20 pm

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Russian President Vladimir Putin asks the country’s parliament for permission to use military force outside the country. The upper house of parliament quickly gives it.

The move could presage a broader attack on Ukraine after the US said an invasion was already underway there.

Several European leaders said earlier in the day that Russian troops have moved into rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine after Putin recognized their independence.

But it is unclear how large the movements are, and Ukraine and its Western allies have long said Russian troops are fighting in the region. Moscow denies those allegations.