Russia's lower house of parliament voted on Tuesday to approve friendship treaties with two self-proclaimed people's republics in eastern Ukraine, escalating a crisis with Ukraine and the West.
The treaties, which enter force once President Vladimir Putin signs them, could pave the way for Moscow to build military bases there, adopt a joint defence posture and tighten economic integration.
(Reporting by Darya Korsunskaya; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Jon Boyle)
