Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the launch of a “military operation” in Ukraine. He called on Ukrainian troops in eastern Ukraine to lay down their arms and return home.
Explosions have been reported around major Ukrainian cities.
Ukraine’s border guards say Russian military convoys have entered the eastern Ukrainian regions of Luhansk and Kharkiv, as well as the Chernhev and Somi regions in the north.
The force says artillery strikes have also been linked to Russia’s military intervention.
Authorities say a number of Ukrainian border guards were injured.
According to the Ukrainian border guards, they and the country’s defense forces “are taking all necessary measures to deter the enemy.”
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised speech that he had no plans to occupy Ukraine, but added that Moscow’s response would be “quick” if anyone stopped it.
Immediately after President Putin’s remarks, there were reports of attacks on Ukrainian military targets.
Another, Ukraine, says Russia has completely invaded the country.
In addition to the sounds of gunfire and explosions in other cities, gunfire was also heard around the capital, Kiev Borispel Airport.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg reiterated that NATO stood by Ukraine in these difficult times and would do everything in its power to defend its allies.
A month-long state of emergency has been declared in Ukraine at midnight local time.
