Russian President Vladimir Putin had just announced a ‘military operation’ in Ukraine’s Donbas region on Thursday morning local time.
He made the declaration in a televised speech at the same time as the UN Security Council urged him to stop posing threats.
Citing the latest BBC report, Putin also called on troops in combat zones in eastern Ukraine to lay down arms and withdraw. He added that in the event of bloodshed Ukraine would be blamed.
Moreover, he also said ‘justice and truth’ was on Russia’s side, warning that Moscow’s response would be faster if anyone tried to oppose it.
The Russian president also said that his actions were in self-defense and de-Nazification of Ukraine.
"The battle between Russia and Ukraine is inevitable… just waiting for time", added Putin.
Following the announcement, there were reports that several explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital Kiev.
