Ukraine Crisis: Putin declares a special military operation, warns other countries not to interfere

Global desk: The President of Russia Vladimir Putin has warned of undertaking a military operation in Ukraine. He said this through a televised address on Thursday.

He asserted that Russia has no intention of invading Ukraine, however, the attack was necessary to protect the atrocities faced by the civilians in the eastern part and the Donbas region of Ukraine.

He also said that Russia would move to demilitarize Ukraine and prevent the country from getting hands on nuclear weapons.

Putin also cautioned other countries to refrain from interfering with Russia in order to avoid any unfavourable consequence.

He added that Russia would immediately respond in a way that has never been witnessed in the past, should it face threat or interference from outside.

Referring to the United States, the Russian President also expressed his condemnation and regarded US and its allies responsible for failing to ensure security guarantee for Russia and obstruct Ukraine from becoming a part of the NATO.

Further, he also asked the Ukrainian troops to lay down the arms and return back to their homes.

The Russian president’s announcement surfaced soon after the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine wishes for peace with Russia, and it does not pose any threat to Russia.  

Responding to this, US President Joe Biden stated his disappointment over the needless attack on Ukraine by calling it ‘unprovoked’ and ‘unjustified’. Besides, he also said that US will hold Russia responsible for the deaths and destruction that this war would result in.

Additionally, Biden also stated that US would announce more sanctions on Russia on Thursday as a response.

Meanwhile, as Putin was speaking, sounds of explosions were also being heard at the same time in the capital Kyiv, Odessa, Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine.

Also Read: Western Disunity Over Ukraine Could Be Dangerous For Taiwan, Says Boris Johnson