Happening now breaking news. The United States is preparing sanctions in response to a

major new provocation by Vladimir Putin, the Russia leader just recognized separatist areas of Ukraine as independent, escalating

fears of an imminent war.

The U.S. is warning that Russia could launch an extremely violent invasion in the coming hours amid new information

that Kremlin forces have a kill list of Ukrainians to target if they attack.

CNN is on the scene in Russia, Ukraine here in the United States as this

crisis unfolds this hour. We want to welcome our viewers here in the United States

and around the world I'm Will Flitzer this is a situation room special report This is on the This is CNN breaking news and let's get to the breaking news major reaction

unfolding right now to the new developments from the Ukrainian capital of

Kieve our senior international correspondent Matthew Chance is on the scene for us,

Matthew.

Putin's move today, a dramatic, powerful move, escalating, escalating concerns of an imminent Russian invasion.

They certainly are at Wolf and in fact there are dramatic developments taking place tonight

because within the past few minutes the Kremlin has said

that it's ordered the Russian Defense Ministry to quote maintain peace in those

Ukrainian at rebel republics potentially paving the way for Russian forces to roll in.

It all comes after Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, made that stunning announcement

earlier today to recognize those two republics plunging

this region into an even deeper crisis.

This is the moment Vladimir Putin further escalated this dangerous standoff with Ukraine,

signing a presidential decree that would unilaterally redraw Ukraine's borders and set back any prospects of diplomacy.

I consider it necessary to make a long overdue decision to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donuts People's

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