US to impose sanctions on breakaway Ukraine regions after Putin recognition

EU and UK prepare similar moves amid alarm over Russian president's warnings of further action

Vladimir Putin's declaration that Russia will recognise the independence of the breakaway regions of eastern Europe was greeted in the US and Europe with dismay and threats of sanctions.

There was also alarm at Putin's warnings of further action against Ukraine as a whole, questioning the country's legitimacy and suggesting it presented a direct threat to Russia.