Russian President Vladimir Putin promulgated the law formalizing the annexation of four regions of Ukraine (Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia, which represent around 18% of the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine), partially controlled by Russian forces, the official TASS news agency reported, Reuters and Agerpres read.

Russia declared the annexations after holding what it called referendums in occupied areas of Ukraine.

Western governments and Kiev declared that the polls violated international law, were coercive and unrepresentative.

Agerpres