Russia-Ukraine: The international community reacts to Putin's recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk
Russia-Ukraine: The international community reacts to Putin's recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk

Russian President Vladimir Putin's move to recognize the freedom of two breakaway territories in eastern Ukraine has sparked outrage, with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg calling it a breach of international accords.

Putin issued an order late Monday for soldiers to "maintain peace" in the separatist areas of Luhansk and Donetsk.