Washington: The US has condemned the signing of a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday recognising the independence of the separatist-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas area. 

Secretary Antony Blinken called Russia’s move a 'predictable, shameful act'. Blinken reiterated that the US stands with Ukraine.

Russia’s move to recognize the “independence” of so-called republics controlled by its own proxies is a predictable, shameful act. We condemn them in the strongest possible terms and #StandWithUkraine, as I told Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tonight". 

Also, Blinken spoke to China's Foreign Minister on preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday recognising the independence of the separatist-controlled Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas area. During a speech on Monday, Putin also demanded the end of Ukraine’s military operations in the separatist areas, per reports. 

Also, Putin’s decree includes an order for the Russian military to conduct peacekeeping operations in the separatist territories, according to multiple reports. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow’s move has “wrecked” the peace process and is “a violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to Reuters.