DEVELOPING: Putin Recognizes Two Pro-Russian Regions of Ukraine as Independent Nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin officially recognized two break-away regions of the Ukraine as independent nations, setting the stage for a potential invasion of Ukraine in the days ahead.

“Why did we have to be so generous, and then give these republics the right to leave?” asked Putin, referring to the break-up of the Soviet Union towards the end of the 20th century.

“If he agrees that they [the DPR and LPR] should be declared independent from Ukraine, then that’s a violation of the sovereignty of Ukraine, certainly a violation of international law,” Pentagon press secretary John Kirby told Fox News Monday morning. “Whether it triggers something by the international community, I think, is yet to be known.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.