Putin has declared the Ukrainians states on its border as "independent" according to my source. This news will become official within 2 hours.
It has been reported now and it seems the debate in the Kremlin was broadcast. Looked a bit more civilised than PM questions. The correct term is recognised them as independent states.
The implications seems to be that these 2 states can request Russian military assistance if they want it.
I wonder what Zelenskyy will feel about this. NATO obviously wont recognise them. Putin may be offering them a way out and other aspects not mentioned may figure in it.
C4 reported a little different. Recognising these states has been discussed. Announcing them yet to come but it depends which of their reporters is speaking.. Boris also said effectively saying that Russia is recognising them. Little different to has.
Yet another change - Putin has just signed the paperwork so he has announced it. The areas contains 4m people - or so it seems.