Russian President Vladimir Putin announces 'military operation' in Ukraine
In a surprise but not unexpected move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a 'military operation' in Ukraine, news agency AFP reported. "I have made the decision of a military operation," he said in a televised address. The development follows Russia recognizing independence for two separatist states in eastern Ukraine and ordering troops to move in there.
Why does this story matter?
Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a weeks-long conflict, with the former gathering its troops at its border with Ukraine. The world's largest country has amassed tens of thousands of troops and advanced weaponry along the border. The conflict arose as Russia has been opposing Ukraine's efforts to join NATO, an international military alliance led by the United States.
Lay down your arms: Putin tells Ukrainian military
Putin called on soldiers of the Ukrainian military to lay down their arms, despite calls from the western countries and the United Nations (UN) not to launch a war. He also vowed retaliation against anyone who interfered. The Russian President added that the "responsibility of any bloodshed will be on the conscience of Ukrainian regime".
Ukraine's President calls for peace
In response, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky made an appeal for peace, asking Russians not to support the war. During an emotional late-night address to the nation, Zelensky said that he tried to call Putin but the Russian President did not accept his call. "There was no answer, only silence," he said. He also rejected Moscow's claims that Ukraine poses a threat to Russia.
Rebels in Ukraine had sought Russia's help
Putin's announcement comes after Kremlin said that rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine sought Moscow's help to repel "aggression" by the Ukrainian army. The announcement sparked fears that Russia was offering up a pretext for war, which the western countries had earlier warned about.
UNSC calls urgent meeting
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called an emergency meeting on Ukraine's request over fears of an imminent Russian invasion. This is the second meeting of the council in two days. The first meeting saw no support for Russia's move to recognize the independence of two separatist areas in Ukraine--Donetsk and Luhansk. Russian troops have been ordered to perform "peacekeeping functions" in both territories.
Ukraine shuts airports, restricts airspace
In wake of the conflict, the Ukrainian government has closed its airports in the east and declared some airspace as danger zone. Ukraine has also established buffer zones for the air traffic controlled by it to avoid conflict with the air traffic controlled by Russia. The action came after Russian aviation authorities attempted to seize control of the airspace over eastern Ukraine.
World will hold Russia accountable: Biden
Condemning the action, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the "world will hold Russia accountable" over its "unprovoked and unjustified" attack on Ukraine. In an official statement, Biden said he would address the Americans on Thursday to outline the "consequences" for Russia. "The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight," he said.
Russia may invade Ukraine overnight: US
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said he believes Russia will invade Ukraine 'overnight'. Speaking to NBC News, Blinken said he couldn't be precise about time or place, adding that he still hopes for diplomacy to pull Europe back from the brink of war. "Everything seems to be in place for Russia to engage in a major aggression against Ukraine," Blinken said.
