Putin recognizes the independence of two territories in Ukraine

05:35

Updated February 21, 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the independence of two separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine — Donetsk and Luhansk.

It is uncertain how President Biden and the U.S. will respond to the announcement, but Biden had just said he was willing to meet with Putin, barring invasion.

Host Lisa Mullins speaks with NPR correspondent Frank Langfitt in Kyiv for the latest.

This article was originally published on February 21, 2022.

This segment aired on February 21, 2022.