Biden condemns Putin's recognition of Ukraine breakaway regions

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his administration's efforts to pursue deterrence and diplomacy in response to Russia’s military buildup on the border of Ukraine, from the White House in Washington, U.S., February 18, 2022. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned on Monday a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin to recognize two breakaway regions of Ukraine as he spoke to world leaders following the latest developments in the crisis.

"Biden strongly condemned Russian President Putin’s decision to purportedly recognize the “independence” of the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine," on a call with Ukraine President Volodymr Zelenskiy, the White House said.

He discussed with France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Olaf Scholz "how they will continue to coordinate their response on next steps", according to another statement.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Grant McCool)