Germany has closed the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that was made to transport gas from Russia to Europe. This is because of Russia's actions in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin recognised two regions in eastern Ukraine as independent countries. He said the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics were separate nations. Germany's leader said: "In light of the most recent developments, we must reassess the situation." He warned that Europe faced "difficult hours," and that, "almost 80 years after the end of the Second World War, we might see a new war in…Europe".

Nord Stream 2 is a pipeline under the Baltic Sea. Closing it is one of the sanctions that Western nations have made against Russia. The U.K. announced the first of its sanctions after Mr Putin said troops could enter eastern Ukraine. The U.K. will freeze the assets of Russian banks and billionaires. Some have been given travel bans. U.S. President Joe Biden said he would announce sanctions soon. Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister said Russia was not planning to invade Ukraine. He told reporters: "If there is a threat, then we will provide assistance."