Ukraine Crisis: Parliament approves Putin request for use of armed forces outside Russia
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Russian legislators have given President Vladimir Putin permission to use armed forces abroad.
The decision by the upper house of parliament takes immediate effect – and it could presage a broader attack on Ukraine.
On Monday, Moscow recognised the independence of Russian-backed rebel regions in eastern Ukraine.
Some Western leaders have said Russian troops had moved into Ukraine’s east – and the US called it an “invasion”.
In Brussels NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia is planning for a “full-scale” attack on its neighbour.
“Every indication is that Russia is continuing to plan for a full-scale attack of Ukraine,” he told a news conference.