Putin Announces Military Operation In Ukraine, Explosions Heard In Kharkiv

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced military action in Ukraine's Donbas region in a television address early Thursday.

CNN reported hearing loud explosions in Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine.

Putin urged Ukrainian forces to lay down arms in his address, but also said: “Our plans are not to occupy Ukraine, we do not plan to impose ourselves on anyone."

The Donbas area in eastern Ukraine contains the two separatist-held regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, which the Russian government recognized as independent entitities on Monday.

President Biden condemned the Russian action, which came close on the heels of a warning by Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there is reason to believe a full Russian invasion in Ukraine could occur before the night is over.

Biden said in a statement released by the White House: "The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.

"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. 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."

(This is a developing story and will be updated.)