Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has confirmed the UK will announce new sanctions on Russia on Tuesday. 

The news comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree to recognise two areas of Ukraine as independent states on February 21. 

In a tweet, Ms Truss said:  “President Putin’s recognition of the ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’ and ‘Luhansk People’s Republic’ as independent states shows flagrant disregard for Russia’s commitments under the Minsk agreements.

"This step represents a further attack on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, signals an end to the Minsk process and is a violation of the UN Charter. It demonstrates Russia’s decision to choose a path of confrontation over dialogue.

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“We will coordinate our response with Allies. We will not allow Russia’s violation of its international commitments to go unpunished.”

Boris Johnson said: "This is plainly in breach of international law, it’s a flagrant violation of the sovereignty and integrity of Ukraine.

“It is a repudiation of the Minsk process and the Minsk Agreements.

“I think it’s a very ill omen and a very dark sign.”

"Plainly what has happened is extremely bad news and we will be urgently talking to our friends and allies around the world, all of whom are jointly signed up with us in this package of sanctions.”