Putin signs decrees paving way for annexation of Ukraine regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed decrees paving the way for the occupied Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to be formally annexed into Russia. The decrees, made public by the Kremlin, said Putin had recognised the two regions as independent territories, an intermediary step needed before Putin can go ahead with plans to announce on Friday that the regions are part of Russia. Read our live blog to see how the day's events unfolded. All times are Paris time (GMT+2). 

Putin signs decrees paving way for annexation of Ukraine regions
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed decrees paving the way for the occupied Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia to be formally annexed into Russia. The decrees, made public by the Kremlin, said Putin had recognised the two regions as independent territories, an intermediary step needed before Putin can go ahead with plans to announce on Friday that the regions are part of Russia. Read our live blog to see how the day's events unfolded. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).