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In a 65-minute televised ceremony on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an order of decree recognizing the regions Donetsk and Lugansk of Ukraine as independent states.

“I consider it necessary to make a long overdue decision: to immediately recognize the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic,” Putin said.

According to EWN, Russia will now send troops with the cooperation of separatist leaders, forcing Ukraine to choose between accepting the loss of a portion of its land and fighting a far more powerful neighbour.

In an article published by Variety yesterday, pop star Britney Spears has landed a multimillion-dollar book deal with Simon & Schuster for a memoir. “The book will feature Spears’ accounts of her record-smashing music career, her private life and her fractured relationship with her family.”

The terms of the contract have not been disclosed but it is reported that “multiple publishers had been in a months long bidding war prior to the announcement.”

Here are the top trending stories of the day. 

Headline: Defying West, Putin orders troops to Ukraine rebel regions – EWN 

Headline: Britney Spears Will Reportedly Receive $15 Million For Tell-All Book – Huffington Post 

Headline: Kanye West streaming device sales skyrocket ahead of album release – News24

Headline: Ricoffy drinkers are turning tins into knife racks – and a one-person braai – Business Insider 

Headline: Leon Reid: Irish sprinter plans to continue career despite criminal conviction – BBC

Headline: Premier League to continue with Covid-19 testing after restrictions are lifted – The Independent

Headline: Unemployment in Gauteng ‘at its worst’, (another) war room established, Makhura announces – Daily Maverick 

Headline: Colombia legalises abortion in move celebrated as ‘historic victory’ by campaigners – The Guardian 

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