Putin recognises independence of pro-Russian separatists in UkraineRussian President Vladimir Putin has recognised separatist areas in Ukraine as independent, a move that could set off a potentially catastrophic conflict with Kyiv’s Western-backed government. Putin, in a televised address, demanded that “Ukraine stop hostilities or they will be responsible”.Earlier in the day, Putin presided over a long and carefully stage-managed meeting of his powerful Security Council and listened to senior officials say it was time for Russia to recognise the breakaway regions of Donetsk and Lugansk as independent.Such recognition would put an end to an already shaky peace plan in the separatist conflict, which has rumbled on since 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine which left more than 14,000 dead.The apparent recognition of breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin is a breach of international law, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.”I gather just as I came into this press conference that Vladimir Putin has effectively announced that Russia is recognising the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Lugansk. This is plainly in breach of international law. It’s a … flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine,” Johnson told a press conference.