Russia Announces Military Operation In Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, which the authorities in Kiev have described as a "full-scale invasion."

Donbas comprises the rebel regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, which were declared as independent states earlier this week by the Russian leader, which led to widespread condemnation and sanctions against Moscow.

In a televised speech to the nation, Putin said Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine but warned that Moscow's response would be "instant" if anyone tries to take on Russia, the BBC reported.

He said that the Ukrainian people would be able "to choose freely" who ran the country and reiterated that his country's actions were in "self-defense."

The Russian leader urged the Ukrainian soldiers who are facing off Russian-backed rebels to lay down weapons and return to their homes. He also told them that their "fathers and grandfathers did not fight so they could help neo-Nazis."

The Russian President's declaration came at the same time as the UN Security Council in an emergency meeting was imploring him to stop pushing more troops towards Ukraine.

"Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now." In a last-ditch appeal before Putin made the announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia could start "a major war in Europe" and urged Russian citizens to oppose it.

In a tweet, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg strongly condemned Russia's "reckless attack" on Ukraine, which puts at risk countless civilian lives.

"This is a grave breach of international law & a serious threat to Euro-Atlantic security. NATO Allies will meet to address Russia's renewed aggression."