Putin set to announce that Russia recognises the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk republics, two separatist republics in eastern Ukraine

Germany's Scholz and France's Macron expressed 'disappointment' over Putin's recognition of the independence of Donetsk and Lugansk republics.

Chief of Russia's communist party says Russia may use military force to protect newly-recognized Donetsk and Lugansk republics.

Putin says the collapse of the Soviet Union saw Russia 'robbed.' In a televised speech to the Russian people.

He went on to say "Ukraine is not just a neighbouring country to us, it is an inherent part of our history … also our family."

Putin asks if the 'collapse of Ukraine's economy' is the 'pro-Western choice'. Mentions that the elite of Ukraine is 'stealing from the Ukrainian people.'

"there's no judiciary system in Ukraine either."

Putin claims the US Embassy directly controls Ukrainian anti corruption.

The US provided $1M a day to protestors

The people who organized the protests orchestrated real torture.

Putin says he will punish those who are responsible.

"Ukraine has been reduced to a colony."

Putin now claiming that the West will help Ukraine obtain nuclear weapons.

"Over the past month there has been a steady stream of Western weapons sent to Ukraine."

Putin says that in 2000 he asked Clinton if the US would consider letting Russia joining NATO.

Putin announces recognition of independence of breakaway regions.

The heads of the republics Pasechnik and Pushilin also sign treaties on friendship, cooperation and assistance between the Russian Federation and the DPR and the LPR.