Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered troops into two rebel-held regions in eastern Ukraine, after recognising them as independent states.

Footage released overnight appeared to show Russian military vehicles heading towards the Ukrainian border.

Russia said the troops would be "peacekeeping" in the breakaway regions, which it has backed since 2014.

But the US said calling them peacekeepers was "nonsense".

It accused Russia of creating a pretext for war.

Ukraine's president said his country was "not afraid of anything or anyone".

In a late-night televised address to the nation, President Volodymyr Zelensky called for "clear and effective actions of support" from Ukraine's international allies.

"It is very important to see now who our real friend and partner is, and who will continue to scare the Russian Federation with words only," he added.

Britain will immediately impose hard economic sanctions on Russia after President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday.

Downing Street also said Johnson told Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy that he would “explore sending further defensive support to Ukraine” at the request of the country’s government.

A spokesperson told PA Media:

He told President Zelenskiy that the UK had already drawn up sanctions to target those complicit in the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, and that those measures would come into force tomorrow.

The prime minister also said he would explore sending further defensive support to Ukraine, at the request of the Ukrainian government.