Sputnik comes live from Moscow, as President Vladimir Putin holds a meeting with members of the Security Council of Russia, dedicated to the situation in Ukraine.
Tensions around Ukraine have been mounting for days, with Kiev's forces shelling Donbass, prompting mass evacuations of civilians to Russia. After an appeal from the Lugansk and Donetsk People's republics, Moscow recognised their independence and urged Kiev to stop the attacks. However, shelling continued and Russia has launched an operation in Ukraine, neutralising Ukrainian military infrastructure with precision weapons.
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