Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne is urging Vladimir Putin to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine amid a looming invasion.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin says he’ll sign a decree recognising two breakaway regions of Ukraine, controlled by Russian-backed separatists.

Such a move could allow the country to openly move troops into Eastern Ukraine and end peace talks with Kyiv.

Minister Payne told Ben Fordham there’s still time for Russia to back away from a declaration of war.

“This is not inevitable. This does not have to happen.”

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