Explosions Across Ukraine After Putin Announces ‘Special Military Operation’

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” President Joe Biden denounced the “unprovoked and unjustified” attack on Ukraine and said the world will “hold Russia accountable.” As Putin spoke, big explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other areas of Ukraine

The Russian president in a televised speech early Thursday said he has authorized a “special military operation” in eastern Ukraine, according to AP and BBC News. Explosions have been reported in multiple cities in Ukraine following Putin’s announcement. Earlier, Putin secured approval to use armed forces abroad and a Kremlin spokesperson said that Russian-backed leaders in eastern Ukraine requested military assistance, AP reports. US President Joe Biden said in a statement, “President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.”