Russia launches military operation in Ukraine

Russia has started a military operation in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of the operation Wednesday night. The military subsequently reported it had targeted Ukrainian air bases and other military assets, but not populated areas.

According to the Associated Press, Putin’s announcement of the action included a warning to other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”

Reporters from numerous international media outlets working in Ukraine heard explosions, including in the cities of Kyiv, Odesa and Kharkiv.

World leaders including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden have denounced the attack, with Biden saying the world will “hold Russia accountable.”

Canada condemns – in the strongest possible terms – Russia’s egregious attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and of Russia’s obligations under international law and the Charter of the UN.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 24, 2022

The prayers of the world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. https://t.co/Q7eUJ0CG3k

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022

Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way.

The world will hold Russia accountable.

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022

A number of countries had levied sanctions against Russia and individuals in that country in hopes of stopping the attack, but that strategy wasn’t successful.

More to come.