Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a statement to the nation after Russian leader Vladimir Putin ordered Russian military troops into eastern Ukraine.
Putin on Monday announced that Russia recognizes the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk regions in eastern Ukraine, which are being held by Russian-backed separatist groups. Soon after that, Putin signed a decree issued by the Kremlin that says the Russian Defense Ministry is now authorized to send troops into the area to “maintain peace.”
