Putin Announces 'Special Military Operation' In Ukraine's Donbass Region, Urges Ukrainian Forces To Lay Down Arms

Russia on Thursday (24 February) announced a "special military operation" in the Donbass region of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he ordered the country's military to conduct a special operation in the Donbass region after the separatists leaders there asked Moscow for military assistance in response to what they claim is an increase in “Ukrainian aggression.”

“Circumstances require us to take decisive and immediate action," the order reads, reports RT.

“The People's Republics of Donbass turned to Russia with a request for help. In this regard, in accordance with Article 51, part 7 of the UN Charter, with the sanction of the Federation Council and in pursuance of the friendship treaties ratified by the Federal Assembly and mutual assistance with the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, I have decided to conduct a special military operation,” Putin said.

Meanwhile, Putin in an address broadcast on Russian National Television urged Ukrainian forces to lay down their arms and go home, saying all responsibility for possible bloodshed will be entirely on the conscience of the Ukrainian government, reports CNN.

The Russian President further said that Moscow does not plan to occupy Ukraine.

"We do not plan to impose ourselves on anyone," he added.