MOSCOW, February 21. /TASS/. The situation in Donbass has worsened again to acquire a critical character, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised address to the nation on Monday.

"The situation in Donbass is critical again," he said.

"I would like to stress it once again that Ukraine is not just a neighbor for us. It is inseparable part of our own history, culture, spiritual space. They are our friends, our kin. They are not only our colleagues, friends, former fellow workers, they are our relatives and people linked by blood, family bonds with us," he said.

He recalled that people living in southeastern territories have always called themselves Russians and Orthodox believers. It was this way before the 17th century, when part of these territories unified with the Russian state and ever since, he noted.

The president said at the beginning that his address will be dedicated to the situation in Ukraine. "Dear Russian citizens, dear friends, the topic of my address is the developments in Ukraine and why it is so important for us, for Russia. Naturally, my speech is also addressed to our compatriots in Ukraine," Putin said.

"Today, I am addressing you directly not only to assess the development but also to inform you about the decisions we make and possible further steps in this direction," he said.

The Ukrainian authorities must immediately halt all hostilities in Donbass because otherwise they will be responsible for potential bloodshed, Russian President said. "And we demand that those who have seized and are retaining power in Kiev immediately halt all hostilities," the Russian leader stressed.

"Otherwise, the Ukrainian ruling regime will be wholly and entirely responsible for the possible continuation of the bloodshed," Putin pointed out.