The European Council, which brings together EU leaders, has said "we firmly reject and unequivocally condemn" Russia's annexation of Ukrainian territories, which it said had no legal impact.
In the last hour, Putin has hosted a signing ceremony and made a speech celebrating the seizing of four regions in Ukraine - including Russian-held parts Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.
The European Council said Russia had "blatantly" violated the "fundamental rights of Ukraine to independence"
"We will never recognise this illegal annexation."
It added that it "stands resolutely" with Ukraine and will "strengthen its restrictive measures" on Russia.
President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the move would not change anything and all territories "illegally occupied by Russian invaders are Ukrainian land".
Source: BBC
Image source: Reuters
