Putin orders military to Ukrainian breakaway regions for 'peacekeeping functions'

Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday ordered his military to the Ukrainian breakaway regions of Donetsk and Lugansk for "peacekeeping operations."

Putin's orders came in a decree recognizing the independence the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic in the Dunbass region of eastern Ukraine.

The Kremlin-recognized heads of Donetsk and Lugansk both signed a "Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance" with Putin.

The Russian leader directed the military to conduct "peacekeeping operations" in Donetsk and Lugansk, according to a translation by Axios. Western leaders fear that Putin's orders may lead to a larger global war.

President Joe Biden responded to Putin's recogination of the occupied Ukrainian territories by announcing plans to issue an executive order banning trade in the breakaway regions.