The US has hit Russia with wide-ranging financial sanctions over what President Joe Biden called "the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine"
U.S. President Joe Biden ordered heavy US financial sanctions against Russian banks and oligarchs on Tuesday, stepping up the West's confrontation with Moscow, even as Russian lawmakers President Putin to use military force outside their country.
Mr Biden said.,"We've cut off Russia's government from Western financing,"
It came after Russian President Vladimir Putin to send troops into two rebel-held parts of eastern Ukraine.
Russia has recognised the regions as independent - a move Ukraine said attacks its sovereignty.
Biden, in a brief address from the White House, accused President Putin of flagrantly violating international law in what he called the “beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine," and promised that more sanctions would be coming if Putin proceeds further.
The US is also moving troops into NATO member states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - which are on or near Russia's border - an official said.