Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognised the independence of two more Ukrainian territories, a precursor to their annexation by Russia.

Earlier Friday, Putin announced the independence of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. He took similar measures against Luhansk and Donetsk in February and earlier against Crimea.

On Friday, Russia plans to annex more Ukrainian territory, an escalation in a seven-month-long war expected to further isolate the Kremlin, incur more international punishment and bring more military, political and economic support to Ukraine.

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The annexation – along with planned celebratory concerts and rallies in Moscow and the occupied territories – will come just days after voters approve independence in an alleged referendum in Moscow. Ukrainian and Western officials denounced the vote as illegal, coerced and rigged.