Moscow’s move will likely torpedo a last-minute bid for a summit
to prevent Russia from invading Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told the leaders of France and Germany he plans to sign a decree recognising the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent entities, the Kremlin says.
The French and German leaders voiced disappointment after hearing the decision, the Kremlin said in a readout of the phone calls.
The West has repeatedly warned Russia not to recognise the separatists – a move that effectively buries a fragile peace process in the region.
Meanwhile, Russian military said it has prevented a “diversionary reconnaissance” group from breaching the border from Ukraine.
Source: Al Jazeera