LIVE. Putin orders Russian army "to maintain peace" in Donetsk and Luhansk – Johnson: Ukraine invasion could begin in hours – UN Security Council holds emergency meeting

Russia has further exacerbated the conflict with Ukraine with the recognition of the renegade Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent people’s republics. Putin also announced a “peace mission” in the region and the first column of military vehicles has already been sighted in Donetsk, according to Reuters news agency. Ukraine’s President Zelensky has called for “clear and effective support from the West” in a speech to the nation. The UN Security Council is currently in emergency session. Follow the latest developments regarding the impending escalation between Russia and Ukraine in our live blog.

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