Russian recognition of rebel regions extends to areas held by Ukraine forces

A woman crosses a checkpoint from the territory controlled by Russia-backed separatists to the territory controlled by Ukrainian forces in Novotroitske, eastern Ukraine (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP)

Russia has announced that its recognition of independence for areas in eastern Ukraine extends to territory currently held by Ukrainian forces – further raising the stakes amid Western fears that a fully-fledged invasion of Ukraine is imminent.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Russia has recognised the rebel regions’ independence “in borders that existed when they proclaimed” their independence in 2014.