Kyiv, Feb 24: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it's intended to protect civilians.

In a televised address, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine. He added that Russia doesn't have a goal to occupy Ukraine. Putin said the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime”.

Also Read | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Says Russia May Be Engaged in Full-Blown Invasion of Ukraine Before Night is Over.

Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen”.

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