Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a military operation in eastern Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.
In a televised address early Thursday, Putin says the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine.
He adds that Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy Ukraine. Putin says the responsibility for the bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime.”
Putin also is warning other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action will lead to “consequences they have never seen.”
But, he adds: ”I was wrong, and I like not to be wrong again. So if indeed an operation is being prepared I have only one thing to say from the bottom of my heart: Stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance. Too many people have already died.”
READ ALSO:
