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Ukraine war

Russia's annexations in Ukraine echo prelude to World War II in Europe

Vladimir Putin claims 'our unity' as justification for latest land grab

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia had "four new regions" in a speech at the Kremlin on Sept. 30. (Source photos by Reuters)

LONDON -- Russia's move Friday to annex four occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine bears an ominous resemblance to developments in pre-World War II Europe.

A permanent member of the United Nations Security Council -- a body responsible for upholding the stability of the international order -- is taking territory by force from a neighbor in the name of protecting ethnic Russians living there.

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