Putin stressed in his remarks that "we do not intend to conquer Ukraine" and added that the clashes between his country's army and Ukrainian forces were inevitable.
He said the operation was aimed at “demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine and is meant to “protect people”.
According to the Russian President, "The circumstances require decisive action on the part of Russia."
Shortly after Putin's speech, a CNN reporter in Kyiv reported that a number of explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital. Explosions were also reportedly heard in Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine.
Putin's announcement came as the UN Security Council convened to discuss the crisis in Ukraine following a call by the Ukrainian foreign minister to hold a discussion on the issue. In fact, just minutes before Putin announced the start of the operation, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the Russian President to withdraw his troops from Ukraine. READ MORE
