Putin announced to sign decree on recognition of Donetsk and Lugansk Russian controlled territories.

Putin has informed leaders of France & Germany he intends to recognize Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk in near future and sign a decree. Macron, Scholz 'disappointed' by Putin's recognition of Ukraine rebels.

It will be very important to see whether the whole of the two provinces will be recognized, i.e. even territory and cities like Mariupol held by Ukraine.

Source: TASS

Wait Putin speech live here:
https://youtu.be/gJIowCeNPds

UNCONFIRMED –Ukraine introduce martial law by the decision of the National Security and Defense COUNCIL.

Vehicle convoy in Donetsk right now.

Putin Live speech:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjMnTo85S4A

"Ukraine is a part of our cultural space" - V. Putin

"Modern Ukraine was completely created by Russia" - V. Putin

"There is simply no independent state in Ukraine" - V. Putin

NOW - Putin signs the decree that recognizes the independence of DPR and LPR regions. Separatist leaders are in the room.

Donetsk now.

The heads of the European Commission and the European Council called the recognition of the independence of the DPR and LPR a violation of international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded that those who seized and held power in Kiev stop immediately to stop hostilities.

"Otherwise, all responsibility for the possible continuation of bloodshed will fall entirely on the conscience of the ruling regime on the territory of Ukraine"

The White House announces that Biden was on the phone with Zelensky from around 14:05 to 14:40 Washington time.

This would mean they first spoke while Putin was calling Ukraine "a colony of the West being led by puppets. "The call would have ended a few minutes after Putin announced his recognition of the Donbass republics.

"Russia recognizes the 'L/DNR' within the borders that are now actually established," said the deputy chairman of the Committee of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation.