Biden imposes sanctions on separatist regions of Ukraine following Putin's decree, and the EU pledges further actions.

• The White House imposed sanctions on the region following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recognition of the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine on Monday night.
• President Biden issued an executive order banning U.S. investment, trade, and financing in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, which are recognized as independent republics by Russia.
• European leaders similarly denounced Putin's declaration and made new promises to retaliate against the "flagrant breach of international norms."

The White House imposed sanctions on the region following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recognition of the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine on Monday night.

President Biden issued an executive order banning U.S. investment, trade, and financing in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, which are recognized as independent republics by Russia.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, stated that the measures being taken are separate from and would be in addition to the economic measures that have been prepared with allies and partners in case Russia invades Ukraine further.

The Departments of State and Treasury will provide more information about the Biden administration's actions, as stated by Psaki.

In an hour-long televised address Monday evening, Putin announced his decision to recognize the breakaway areas in the Donbas.

An official from the Biden administration characterized Putin's speech as a justification for war to the Russian people.

The official stated that the speech was not solely about Russia's security but rather an attack on the notion of a sovereign and independent Ukraine. He made it clear that he views Ukraine historically as part of Russia and made several false claims about Ukraine's intentions, which seem to be aimed at justifying possible military action. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of the Biden administration's next steps.

The official stated that the U.S. and its allies will keep track of Russia's actions in the region and respond accordingly if there is any further aggression against Ukraine.

The official stated that additional sanctions actions will be taken tomorrow, and if Russia responds further, there will likely be additional responses. This has been the approach until now and will continue to be the approach moving forward.

The UN Security Council will have an emergency meeting on Monday at 9 p.m. ET, and Russia, as the current rotating president, will preside over the meeting. A UN Security Council official confirmed this to NBC News.

On Monday, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister called for an immediate meeting of the U.N. Security Council.

On Monday evening, the State Department moved its diplomatic staff from Lviv, Ukraine to Poland.

The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, announced in a statement that our staff will continue their diplomatic work in Ukraine and offer emergency consular services on a regular basis.

Blinken stated that despite taking precautions for the safety of U.S. government personnel and citizens, our support for and commitment to Ukraine remains unchanged.

Blinken emphasized the U.S. demand for Americans to leave Ukraine promptly, stating that the safety condition is uncertain and may worsen suddenly.

On Tuesday, Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, will meet with Blinken at the State Department.

The State Department declined to confirm if the meeting between the nation's top diplomat and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is still scheduled, referring questions to the department.

A Russian invasion may be foreshadowed by Putin's recent move, as warned by U.S. and European allies.

European leaders similarly denounced Putin's declaration and made new promises to retaliate against the "flagrant breach of international norms."

Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the European Commission and Council presidents, respectively, wrote a joint statement condemning the illegal act and announcing sanctions against those involved. They also reaffirmed the Union's unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Boris Johnson, the U.K. Prime Minister, viewed the development as a "very ill omen" and a "very dark sign."

Boris Johnson stated on Monday evening that the U.K. will maintain a strong stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine by imposing a robust package of sanctions and strengthening NATO's eastern flank. This is another indication that things are moving in the wrong direction in Ukraine.

On Tuesday, the U.K. will reveal new sanctions against Russia, as announced by British Foreign Minister Liz Truss on Monday night.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary-General, stated that Putin's declaration harms Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and weakens efforts to resolve the conflict. He urged Moscow to immediately withdraw its large military presence from Ukraine's borders.

On Monday afternoon, the president had a nearly 40-minute conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During the call, Biden condemned Putin's recognition of the independence of breakaway regions and updated Zelenskyy on the United States' sanctions response. Biden also reiterated that his administration would respond swiftly to any further Russian aggression against Ukraine.

After speaking with the Ukrainian president, Biden had a call with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to discuss a coordinated response.