Russia is violating international law - Biden

BBC Summary

The US president criticises Moscow's order to deploy troops to eastern Ukraine, describing it as a "flagrant violation of international law".

It's not clear if any Russian troops have yet been sent into two breakaway regions that are run by Moscow-backed separatists.

The upper house of parliament in Moscow has authorised President Putin to use the military abroad.

Vladimir Putin says he recognises the borders of the breakaway Donetsk and Luhansk regions as outlined in their constitutions - which includes Ukrainian held territory.

Western countries are imposing sanctions on Russia following the escalation in the crisis.

The EU has announced measures targeting Russian MPs who voted in favour of recognising the breakaway areas and also targeting banks.

Germany has put on hold a major gas pipeline project from Russia, Nord Stream 2.

Earlier, the US and UK said the latest escalation from Russia marked the "beginning of an invasion".