Russia Orders Troops , Be Deployed to Rebel-Held , Regions of Ukraine.<br />The BBC reports that Russian President <br />Vladimir Putin has ordered troops to be deployed <br />in two rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine. .<br />The BBC reports that Russian President <br />Vladimir Putin has ordered troops to be deployed <br />in two rebel-held regions of eastern Ukraine. .<br />On February 21, Putin recognized Donetsk and Luhansk <br />as independent states, calling the contested <br />region an integral part of Russia's history. .<br />On February 21, Putin recognized Donetsk and Luhansk <br />as independent states, calling the contested <br />region an integral part of Russia's history. .<br />According to Russia, the troops, who <br />have not deployed yet, will serve <br />as "peacekeepers" in the regions. .<br />Russia has reportedly backed <br />the rebel-held states since 2014. .<br />While addressing the United Nations <br />Security Council, the United States <br />accused Russia of creating a pretext for war. .<br />While addressing the United Nations <br />Security Council, the United States <br />accused Russia of creating a pretext for war. .<br />In response to the move, several countries, <br />including the United States and Germany, <br />have announced sanctions on Moscow. .<br />In response to the move, several countries, <br />including the United States and Germany, <br />have announced sanctions on Moscow. .<br />The U.S. estimates that Russia <br />has amassed approximately <br />150,000 troops along Ukraine's borders. .<br />The BBC reports that Russia has been supporting <br />a rebellion in eastern Ukraine for the last eight years. .<br />The BBC reports that Russia has been supporting <br />a rebellion in eastern Ukraine for the last eight years. .<br />Approximately 14,000 people, including civilians, have died since fighting began in the region. .<br />Approximately 14,000 people, including civilians, have died since fighting began in the region. .<br />Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia's recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk a threat not only to the security of Ukraine, but other European nations, as well. .<br />Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russia's recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk a threat not only to the security of Ukraine, but other European nations, as well.
