LIVE UPDATES: Additional Sanctions to Be Imposed on Russia Over Donbass Referenda - EU Statement

"The chancellor took note of Putin's statement," Buchner told reporters at a briefing.

"Mr. Borrell, unfortunately, does not have the proper authority with us as the head of European diplomacy in connection with his completely impermissible statements that took place, and therefore we treat all his statements accordingly from now on," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"The inclusion of the Arctic into the NATO area of interests only complicates the military and political situation in the region, increases the degree of conflict and creates serious challenges for other countries, including Russia," Korchunov said.

"At the initial stage, the armed forces of Ukraine amounted to about 201,000-202,000 people. During this time, there are more than 100,000 casualties. At the same time, 61,207 people were killed and 49,368 people were wounded," Shoigu said, adding that they lost "half of their armed forces."

"Zaporozhye NPP was again attacked by militants of the armed forces of Ukraine. Explosions were recorded 100 meters from the perimeter of the NPP, a high-voltage power line was damaged. Communication equipment of one of the power units was also damaged," the administration of Energodar said.