Russia to decide on recognising Ukrainian regions on Monday, Putin says

MOSCOW, Feb 21 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said Russia would decide whether to recognise the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine later on Monday, a step that would be certain to further inflame a tense standoff with the West and Kyiv.

The Kremlin leader made the remark at the end of a dramatic session of his Security Council that was broadcast on television after the heads of two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine appealed to Putin to recognise their independence.

"A decision will be taken. Today," Putin said.

The Moscow-backed regions have been thrust to the forefront of a mounting international crisis over a Russian military buildup that has fuelled fears that Moscow may be on the brink of invading Ukraine. The Kremlin denies such plans.

The rouble plumbed weeks-long lows during the meeting as Putin called on top officials including his spy chief, defence minister and two parliamentary speakers to speak from a podium about whether they supported the idea of recognition.