Russia's President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in eastern Ukrainian town, in a TV address early Thursday. Putin also vowed to retaliate against those who interfered with the Russian-Ukraine operation, reported AFP.
Putin said this "special military operation" aimed at demilitarisation. He also said that the move came in response to Ukrainian threats to pro-Russia cities. The Russian President announced military action in the Donbas area and urged Ukrainian forces to lay down their arms.
The announcement came just moments before the UN Security Council meeting to denounce the planned invasion of Ukraine.
“Stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance," said United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as he made a personal appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop his troops from entering Ukraine at an emergency Security Council meeting.
CNN reported that loud explosions were heard in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv. A "steady stream of loud explosions" were heard in Kharkiv city.
Meanwhile, Joe Biden, the President of USA denounced Russia's advancements in the Donbas region. In a statement, the president of USA said:
“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. 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.”
(With inputs from AFP)