From the Liveblog of
Monday, February 21, 2022
Putin will recognize rebel separatists as independent
Russian President Vladimir Putin will recognize rebel separatist territories in eastern Ukraine as independent, the Kremlin says.
The move will further stoke tensions that are already sky-high.
The leaders of France and Germany say they are “disappointed by the decision” to recognize the breakaway republics.
The UN warns against “unilateral action” that will “undermine” Ukrainian sovereignty.
Ukrainian leader President Volodymyr Zelensky convenes his top military and security aides.
“Given the statements made at the meeting of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, I held urgent consultations with Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz and convened the National Security and Defense Council,” Zelensky says.
French President Emmanuel Macron convenes his defense council.
The Times of Israel Community.