Vladimir Putin orders invasion of Ukraine, clears 'military operation'

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Vladimir Putin declared war on Thursday, adding that Moscow does not plan to occupy Ukraine. He said the military operation announced by him will look to "demilitarize" Ukraine and came in response to threats from Ukraine.

Soon after the Russian president Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine, large explosions were seen in the embattled nation’s Kyiv and Kharkiv regions.

"We decided to launch a special military action aimed at demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine," Putin said in a televised address on Thursday.

Vladimir Putin also said that conflict between Russian and Ukrainian forces are "inevitable" and called on Ukrainians to "lay down their arms and go home".

Cautioning anyone who would consider interfering from the outside', Putin said, "If you interfere, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me."

The Russian President accused the US and its allies of disregarding Russia's demand to stop Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security assurance.

In response to Putin's announcement, US President Joe Biden said, "Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring. The US and its allies will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable."

Joe Biden added, "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."

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