Ukraine war: Russia plans to annex Ukrainian land - US

Russia plans to annex more Ukrainian territory using a similar "playbook" to its takeover of Crimea, the US says.

Citing US intelligence, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Russia is already laying the groundwork for annexation.

Occupied regions of Ukraine could hold "sham" referenda on joining Russia as soon as September, he said.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 after a referendum which was widely viewed as illegitimate. read more