IRIA News

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a “special military operation” in Ukraine after Moscow’s recognition of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. Russia announced the move despite condemnation by the West and the threat of sanctions.

Russian troops have already begun to move into eastern Ukraine and large explosions were reported in several cities of Ukraine including Kyiv and Odesa. “I have taken the decision to carry out a special military operation,” Putin said in a televised address, saying he was forced to act by claims of “genocide” in Ukraine. 

Russia’s military operation is intended to “demilitarize and de-nazify Ukraine,” but not to occupy it. “Our plans do not include occupying Ukrainian territory,” Putin said.

Russian President also warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” He accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Putin said that Russia “could not let Kyiv obtain nuclear weapons and recalled NATO’s illegitimate expansion to the east.”

Putin urges Ukrainian military to disarm

Russia has called on the Ukrainian military to lay down its arms. Addressing the Ukrainian servicemen, Putin urged: “Do not perform their unlawful orders! I urge you to immediately disarm and go home. To make it clear: all servicemen of the Ukrainian army that will fulfill this demand will be able to freely leave the zone of combat action and return to their families,” Putin said. “All the responsibility for possible bloodshed will be entirely on conscience of the regime ruling in the territory of Ukraine.”

Ukraine says Russia has launched a full-scale invasion

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that a “full-scale invasion” was now underway, adding that “Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”

Russian defense ministry that they are not conducting strikes against Ukrainian cities but striking military infrastructure with precision weapons. “Precision weapons are degrading military infrastructure, air defense facilities, military aerodromes and aviation of the Ukrainian armed forces,” the Russian defense ministry said. Ukraine confirmed that military installations around the country were under attack.

Kyiv declares state of emergency

President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared martial law. “Stay calm, stay at home, the army is doing its work,” he urged Ukrainians. Ukraine’s government has announced a 30-day state of emergency, call up military reservists between the ages of 18 and 60 and allow ordinary civilians to carry firearms.

UN, US, and allies condemn ‘Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine’

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces” in a statement following explosions in Ukraine. The US and allies are planning to unveil the “full scale” of the sanctions. “President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said. “Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable.”

Biden also spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and briefed him “on the steps we are taking to rally international condemnation, including tonight at the United Nations Security Council.” Ukrainian President asked the United States “to call on the leaders of the world to speak out clearly against President Putin’s flagrant aggression, and to stand with the people of Ukraine,” Biden said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Putin to stop the military assault on Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Putin has “chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction” with his attack on Ukraine and that the UK and its allies would respond “decisively”.