Moscow, Feb 22: The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin is ordering forces to maintain peace in eastern Ukraine.

But it is not immediately clear whether or when troops would enter the country. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Joe Biden Blocks Trade, Investment in Parts of Ukraine Recognised as Independent by Russia.

The announcement follows a day of fast-moving developments in which Putin announced the recognition of separatist regions in Ukraine.

The United States and the European Union responded by saying they would impose sanctions.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)