President Putin's remarks provoke outraged reactions in Europe and the United States.
The President of Ukraine says that he discussed the development with US President Joe Biden, but had not yet commented on the news at 9.30 pm on Monday.
The United States announced tonight that President Joe Biden intends to sign an executive order on sanctions.
These include measures to prevent new investment and trade in Donetsk and Luhansk.
Exactly what the EU sanctions will mean on Monday night was still unclear.
"The Union emphasizes its unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel wrote in a statement.
The UK also announces that it will impose sanctions, measures to be presented on Tuesday.
"A blatant crime"
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson calls the development "very bad news" and the Prime Minister of Poland Mateusz Morawiecki describes Russia's actions as an act of aggression against Ukraine.
Germany's foreign minister is demanding that Russia withdraw its recognition of the breakaway regions.
Lithuania's Foreign Minister also reacted strongly, announcing that more weapons will be sent to Ukraine this week.
Sweden's Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S) condemns Russia on Twitter.
"A flagrant violation of international law and of the Minsk Agreements."
writes Ann Linde.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg condemns the Russian recognition, which he says is an attempt to once again justify a Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory.
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Hear Jan Hallenberg, research leader at UI, about the Russian recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk.
Photo: SVT