Russia recognises Donetsk and Luhansk borders

Western countries impose sanctions on Russia as the US cancels a diplomatic meeting over the Ukraine crisis.

Newsday will discuss the latest global political fallout from the decision by Moscow to officially recognise two breakaway separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.

The upper house of parliament in Moscow has also authorised President Putin to use the military abroad.

The UN Secretary General António Guterres has expressed grave concerns about Moscow ordering Russian troops into rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine under the banner of "peacekeepers".