Russian troops have officially entered Eastern Ukraine and are conducting “peacekeeping operations” in rebel-controlled areas of Ukraine according to President Vladimir Putin. The news comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin officially recognized Ukrainian rebel-controlled territories as independent of Ukraine.

Massive amounts of troops are being bussed in and Russian military equipment entering the Donbas area. Russian troops are reportedly bringing in heavy machinery including tanks, artillery, and attack helicopters. Additional reports indicate heavy movement of Russian assets heading to the border from within Russia.

Since Russian troops entered the region, there have been no reports of clashes between Russian-backed separatists and the Ukrainian government.