Putin orders Russia to recognise documents issued in rebel-held east Ukraine

Local police officers arrange passports during a ceremony to issue the first passports of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic to residents in Donetsk, Ukraine, March 16, 2016. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko/File Photo

MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian authorities on Saturday to temporarily recognise civil registration documents issued in separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine, a decision strongly criticised by Ukraine's president.

The decision will enable people from the conflict-hit region to travel, work or study in Russia.