⚡️ Putin says recognition of DPR, LPR closely related to global, European security problems

❗️ Lavrov: Russia told the US that its security proposals were not a “menu" from which Washington can choose

❗️ Kremlin aide Kozak: West, Kiev want to make Russia responsible for situation in Donbass

❗️Shoigu: Kiev forces hit precise targets in DPR and LPR

⚡️ Ukraine has much more capabilities in terms of nuclear weapons than Iran, North Korea, Russian Defence Minister Shoigu says

❗️ Deputy Chairman of Russian Security Council Medvedev: West wants to redraw global map, advance to Russian borders

Ukraine does not need Donbass, they use it as bargaining chip, Medvedev says

❗️Artillery sounds heard to the north of Lugansk, Sputnik correspondent says

⚡️ 1.2 million of Donbass residents have applied for Russian citizenship, Speaker of State Duma Volodin says

⚡️ Speaker of Russian State Duma: We rely on the fact that situation in Donbass has not changed in past 8 years

❗️ Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council: There is humanitarian catastrophe, genocide, shelling in the heart of Europe

❗️Putin: Negotiations on Donbass in deadlock

⚡️ Russian PM: If no progress is made in resolving crisis, we should recognise independence of DPR, LPR

❗️ Red Cross: Donbass population facing severe economic impact of conflict in region

⚡️Lavrov on the recognition of the DPR and LPR: I see no other way, 2-3 days will not change anything

⚡️Putin: decision on recognition of republics will be made today

❗️Kiev appealed to the members of the UN Security Council with a request for consultations on the security of Ukraine within the framework of the Budapest Memorandum - MFA

❗️More explosions heard in outskirts of Lugansk, Sputnik correspondent says

❗️Biden meeting with national security team to discuss situation in Ukraine

⚡️ COVID: Boris Johnson says UK will remove all remaining restrictions

Emergency alarm sounded in Donetsk and explosions heard, Sputnik correspondent reports