Putin Announces Military Assault Against Ukraine in Surprise Speech

• Putin announced Russia forces were launching an offensive against Ukraine in a video that aired early on Thursday morning in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military offensive against Ukraine in a video that aired early on Thursday morning in Russia.

Putin said Russia had decided to launch a “special military action” against Ukraine, with reports of explosions and flares coming minutes afterwards in Ukraine. The state-run Russian RIA news agency said the offensive would begin in the Donbas area of eastern Ukraine, also claiming that Putin does not have plans to occupy Ukraine.

Russia for months denied plans to invade Ukraine, even as it amassed tens of thousands of troops along the border. 

The Russian invasion of Ukraine that began Monday has sent shockwaves through Europe and the wider world, while threatening to destabilize the surrounding region and rock global markets. 

This article is breaking and will continue to be updated.