Vladimir Putin news LATEST: World leaders condemn plans for ‘SHAM’ Ukraine vote as tyrant expected to give speech

VLADIMIR Putin is now expected to give a TV address today, after world leaders rejected his “illegal” referendum plans in occupied Ukraine territories. Russian media speculated that he would speak to Russians on Tuesday evening, defending his forced referendums in occupied areas of Ukraine, however this was cancelled with no reason given. NATO chief Jens Stolenburg denounced the “sham” referendums, as meaningless & vowed to “eliminate” Putin’s threats, – while formerly impartial Turkish President Erdogan urged Russia to hand back occupied land to Ukraine in an interview with PBS. French President Emmanuel Macron also slammed the referendums, accusing Russia of “imitating democracy” with an “illegal” move that will not be internationally recognised. Putin is yet to address Russia after keeping the world waiting since the scheduled time of 6pm BST last night – but his close aides later claimed his televised address will take place on Wednesday. Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest udpates…