White House declares Russian invasion in Ukraine

The White House is now calling Russian action in Ukraine an "invasion," saying the "swift and severe" sanctions promised by the U.S. are on the way, Fox News has learned. 

Russian troops arrived in eastern Ukraine hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he would recognize the independence of two separatist regions, officials said.

Russian troops entered in Donbas, the name for the area where the two separatist regions, that have long fought Russia-backed rebels, Donetskand Luhansk, are located, officials said, noting that they "consider Donbas part of Ukraine."

The Kremlin then raised the stakes further Tuesday, by saying that recognition extends even to parts held by Ukrainian forces.

A White House official told Fox News that administration officials are calling it an invasion.

"The invasion has begun," the official said. "So our sanctions response has begun."