Head of Russia's Upper House says Putin asked for permission to use troops abroad

The head of the Russian parliament said on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin had asked for permission to use Russian troops abroad. The Russian parliament will now vote on this request. Presumably, this refers to Russia's plans to set up military bases in the pro-Russia breakaway regions of Eastern Ukraine which Russia recognised as independent nations on Monday. However, the vote could allow Putin to order a further military incursion into Ukraine.