Biden to block investment, trade in areas of Ukraine recognized as independent by Putin

President Biden plans to sign an executive order blocking new U.S. investment, trade and financing from flowing into two Russian separatist-held regions in Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing the areas as independent.  

The executive order, detailed by the White House shortly after Putin delivered a lengthy address on his decision, will also give Biden the power to “impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in” the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics.