«Today, [on February 24, Russian] president [Vladimir] Putin announced a special military operation in Donbas. Russia has carried out attacks on out military infrastructure and our border guards, border guard units. In many cities in Ukraine, explosions have been heard. We are introducing martial law in all oblasts of our country,» Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an address to the nation, as quoted by the Ukrinform news agency.
The Ukrainian President noted: «A moment ago, I had a conversation with [US] President [Joe] Biden. The US has begun mobilising international support».
«What is needed of you today is calm. If possible, stay at home.»
Read also: US announces sending to Baltics some American forces deployed elsewhere in Europe
«Both we, the army and the whole security sector of Ukraine is working right now. I, the National Council of Security and Defence and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will communicate with you on a permanent basis,» Zelenskyy said.
Latvian Defence Minister Artis Pabriks stated on Twitter on Thursday morning: «Putin has started a war in Europe and all the responsibility for the consequences lies on his shoulders. Latvia is still safe, and we plan to consult with our allies on the next steps in the near future. I wish strength and endurance to the Ukrainian people affected by this misfortune.»
Putin made an unexpected speech early on Thursday on Russian TV channel Rossija-24, announcing that Russia has launched «a military operation» in Ukraine and calling for the Ukrainian army to «lay down weapons». The Kremlin published on Wednesday, February 23, a pretext for invading Ukraine, stating that the heads of the Donbas «people’s republics» have asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for «help» in «repelling aggression» from the side of the army of Ukraine.
Ukrainform and CNN report that explosions have been heard in a number of Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv.
Putin starts war against Ukraine
