Speaking on television on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had directed a special military campaign in the Donbass region.
"I have decided to conduct a special military operation. "Our analysis concludes that our confrontation with these forces (Ukraine) is inevitable," Putin said.
The speech was given early in the morning in Russia, taking place at the same time as the United Nations Security Council is holding an urgent meeting on Russia-Ukraine tensions.
Mr. Putin also called on Ukrainian soldiers to immediately give up their weapons and return home. Russia has no plans to encroach on Ukrainian territory.
The Russian leader also warned the outside intervention forces that Russia would act immediately.
Answer those who want to intervene. Russia will respond immediately and they will suffer unprecedented consequences in their history," Putin said.
According to Mr. Putin, Russia's launch of a special military campaign in Ukraine was carried out in response to threats from Ukraine.
The Kremlin said that forces in eastern Ukraine asked Russia for military assistance on February 23 to help fight Kiev after Kiev's shelling killed civilians and paralyzed critical infrastructure.
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on television emphasizing: "The people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian government want peace". Zelensky also said he had requested a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin by the end of February 23, but the Kremlin did not respond.
