The latest:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin launches military operation in Ukraine.
- Reports of explosions heard in Eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, and in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
- U.S. President Joe Biden says, "the world will hold Russia accountable."
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen."
He said the attack was needed to protect civilians in Eastern Ukraine — a claim the U.S. had predicted he would falsely make to justify an invasion.
In a televised address, Putin accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia's demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees. He said Russia's goal was not to occupy Ukraine.
U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the "unprovoked and unjustified" attack on Ukraine and said the world will "hold Russia accountable."
As Putin spoke, explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other areas of Ukraine.
