Putin Announces Start of Military Operation in Donbas

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in an address to the Russian people early in the morning that he is starting a military special operation in Donbas. “The circumstances require us to take decisive and immediate action. The People's Republics of Donbas have appealed to Russia for assistance. In accordance with the friendship treaties ratified by the Federal Assembly, I have decided to carry out a special military operation,” Putin said in his televised address to Russians.

He stated that Russia's objective is not the occupation of Ukraine, but rather Russia aims to demilitarize Ukraine.