In the largest land grab in Europe since World War II, Putin annexes regions of Ukraine.

Four regions of Ukraine that are under the control of Russian forces have been annexed, according to President Putin.

Since the Second World War, it was Europe's largest territorial takeover.

The declaration by the Russian president comes after sham referendums that were held in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk and were denounced by the international community.

Putin warned the West that he would defend the region using all available means.

In response, Ukraine stated that the process for submitting an application to join NATO should be sped up.

New sanctions against Russia were announced by the United States.