Kyiv: Notwithstanding efforts made by Western countries to bring Russia to the peace table against its invasion, Russia has recognised the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.

In 2014, Russia-backed separatists broke away from the Ukrainian government and declared themselves as a people's republic. These rebels, who occupy the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, collectively referred to as Donbas, continue to remain unrecognized to date and several people have been killed in fighting since 2014.

The move of Russia giving recognition to two separatist regions Donetsk and Luhansk has worried the western forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin's move to sign a decree recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk (Donbass) as independent regions, means that Moscow no longer recognizes these two regions as part of Ukraine. It will pave way for Russian military forces to enter into these separatist-dominated regions claiming to be an ally of the rebels. The US in quick response has imposed financial sanctions against the rebel regions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed mutual aid and friendship agreements with rebel leaders in the Kremlin today. "I believe it is necessary to take a long-overdue decision, to immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic," he said.

The West had repeatedly warned Russia against recognising Ukraine's rebels. But Russia's latest decrees effectively bury a fragile peace agreement regulating the conflict, NDTV reports.

Putin has repeatedly said that he does not intend to invade Ukraine, but his actions so far are unlikely to convince the West.

The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting today at the request of Ukraine, the US, 5 European nations and Mexico.

At the meet, India called for de-escalation of the crisis. "We can't afford a military escalation. We call for restraint on all sides. We're convinced that this issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue," India's representative said at the UNSC meeting on the Ukraine crisis.

"I have signed an Executive Order to deny Russia the chance to profit from its blatant violations of international law. We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps," President Joe Biden said while signing the executive order.

The Russian forces are stationed just a few kilometres away from the Ukrainian border, along with fighter jets, tanks, helicopters and heavy weaponry. All this points to Russia's intention of starting a full-scale war in the region.

However Russia claimed that it has withdrawn the forces deployed in the border, ans also said that the build-up of forces has always been for military exercises and that it poses no threat to Ukraine or any other nation.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said that they were greatly concerned by Russia's decision on the status of certain areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine. "We remain fully supportive of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within internationally recognized borders," he posted on Twitter.

Tensions spiked in recent days after an outbreak of heavy shellfire on Ukraine's eastern frontline with the separatists and a series of reported incidents on the border with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of wrecking peace efforts and ruled out making any territorial concessions in an address to the nation today.

Meanwhile, US Embassy in Moscow warns of attacks at malls, public gatherings. Russia's move attempt to create the pretext for the further invasion of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir PutinFrance says PM Macron, Putin agree to work for east Ukraine ceasefire; Biden to now consult on crisis

While the US President has repeatedly clarified that the US will not be sending troops into Ukraine, the US has been providing military aid worth millions of dollars to Kyiv.