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Russia escalates, oil soars, and Bitcoin’s no haven.

Russian President Vladimir Putin officially recognized two self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine and ordered what he called “peacekeeping forces” to go into the regions, a dramatic escalation which drew condemnation from Western leaders. As discussion over sanctions against Russia intensify in Europe and the U.S., one question that looms large is what would actually qualify as an invasion to trigger the most severe measures. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said additional American sanctions against Russia would be coming today, while the European Union is starting the process of agreeing penalties for Putin’s actions.