Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees on February 21, 2022 recognising Donetsk and Luhansk, separatist territories of Ukraine, as independent. Putin's recognition of rebel-held areas could provide a pretext to move his troops across the border. The US, EU and Britain have responded with economic sanctions on the region. President Joe Biden earlier agreed “in principle” to meet Putin on the condition that Russia does not invade Ukraine, a summit now likely to be cancelled. US…