Putin announces military operation in Ukraine to 'protect civilians'

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming that it is “intended to protect civilians” on Thursday.

In a televised address, Putin said that the action comes in response to “threats coming from Ukraine”. He added that Russia “doesn’t have a goal to occupy Ukraine.”

Putin said that “the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian regime.”

Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”

Putin accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees.

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Putin said that the Russian military operation “aims to ensure a demilitarisation of Ukraine.”

Putin said that all Ukrainian servicemen who lay down arms will be able to safely leave the zone of combat.

There was no immediate reaction from the White House to Putin’s remarks, but US officials have repeatedly pledged to place overwhelming sanctions on the Russian economy and Putin allies in retaliation for a further invasion of Ukraine.