Putin announces military operation in Ukraine

PTI Updated - February 24, 2022 at 09:13 AM.

In a televised address, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears on a screen at the White House briefing room during a TV broadcast, signing documents recognizing separatist areas of Ukraine as independent, in Washington, US, February 21, 2022. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it's intended to protect civilians.

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

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

He said 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.

Published on February 24, 2022 03:40

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