Putin says he may recognize Ukraine breakaway regions "today"

Kyiv, Ukraine — Russian President Vladimir Putin said during an extraordinary public meeting of his security council in Moscow on Monday that he would decide "today" whether to recognize the independence of two Russian-backed breakaway republics in the east of Ukraine. The U.S. warned last week that such a move would violate international law and would "necessitate a swift and firm response" from America and its allies.

During the meeting, which appears to have been broadcast on Russian television hours after it actually occurred, members of the council made impassioned speeches in support of the move.