Live: Russia vows 'full protection' for any territory annexed amid referendums in Ukraine

Russia's top diplomat on Saturday said regions of Ukraine where widely-derided referendums are being held would be under Russia's "full protection" if they are annexed by Moscow, amid fears Russia could further escalate the conflict and even use nuclear weapons. Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine are holding referendums on a Russian annexation during four days. Follow our live blog for all the latest developments. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).