Moscow - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognized the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine in an emotional address broadcast on state-run television, despite warnings from the West that the move could lead to sweeping sanctions.
"I believe it is necessary to take a long-overdue decision, to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic," he said before state television showed Putin signing mutual aid agreements with rebel leaders in the Kremlin.
