Update(10:00pmET):At the very moment an emergency session of the UN national security council was in session in New York, Putin gave a speech ordering "a special operation in Donbas". Russian state media is alsoconfirming."I have declared a special military operation,"the Russian leader said. Fox News is reporting that Russian forceshave entered Ukraine from Crimea.
He announced the Russian military action to 'demilitarize' Ukraine." And further he said:
"We decided to launch a special military action [...] aimed at demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine."
The AP is further confirming "President Vladimir Putin says Russia will conduct a military operation in eastern Ukraine." The following details are coming across the news wires:
- PUTIN CALLS ON UKRAINIAN SOLDIERS TO IMMEDIATELY LAY DOWN THEIR WEAPONS AND GO HOME -TASS
- RUSSIA'S PUTIN SAYS IN CASE OF FOREIGN INTERFERENCE, RUSSIA WILL REACT IMMEDIATELY - TASS
- RUSSIAN FORCES ENTERING UKRAINE FROM CRIMEA IN THE SOUTH -FOX NEWS
- PUTIN SAYS RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY BLOODSHED WILL BE ON THE CONSCIENCE "OF THE UKRAINAIN REGIME" - RIA NEWS AGENCY
"We decided to launch a special military action [...] aimed at demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine."
