Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the country’s parliament Tuesday for a permission to use military force outside the country.
Putin’s letter to the upper house of parliament would formalize a Russian military deployment to rebel regions in eastern Ukraine, a day after the Russian leader recognized their independence.
It may also herald Putin’s intention to launch a broader attack on Ukraine. Western leaders earlier said Russian troops had moved into the country’s east — and the US called it an invasion.
Lawmakers are expected to quickly rubber-stamp Putin’s request during a session Tuesday.
AP