Image source, Getty Images Image caption,

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognising the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Luhansk People's Republic earlier this year

The UK government has sanctioned Russian-imposed leaders of breakaway regions in Ukraine.

Two leaders of the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics have had their assets frozen.

Separatists in the eastern regions, which together make up the Donbas, set up unrecognised pro-Russian statelets in 2014 after the annexation of Crimea.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the UK will keep imposing sanctions on those legitimising Russia's invasion.

On Tuesday, the government banned the so-called Donetsk People's Republic Prime Minister Vitaly Khotsenko and the so-called Luhansk People's Republic First Deputy Chairman Vladislav Kuznetsov from coming to the UK.

The UK Foreign Office said the pair supported Putin's plans to illegally annex more of Ukraine and were sent to the region to implement Russia's policies, where they have used sham referendums to falsely legitimise Russia's occupation.

What pain lies ahead for Russia's economy?