Russia and Ukraine conflict 2022: Putin warns of severe consequences if foreign powers interfere
As the war between Ukraine and Russia puts the world on edge, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, has warned global leaders against actions that will stop Russia’s operation in Ukraine.
Putin said any interference will attract immediate response that will lead to consequences they have “never faced in their history,” adding that Russia was ready for any outcome.
Putin ordered a special military operation in Ukraine’s Donbas region on Thursday.
Ukraine’s interior ministry said Russia had begun attacks on the country, as explosions were reportedly heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kramatorsk, and in other parts of Ukraine.
The attacks were said to have targeted key infrastructure in the country.
US President Joe Biden condemned the attacks, describing them as unprovoked.
He said Putin has chosen a “premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”
He said the US and its allies—members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)—will deliver a decisive response.
But Putin, in a TV broadcast, said the circumstances required firm and immediate actions as Donbas’ People’s Republic asked for help from Russia.
He warned that Russia will respond swiftly to any attempt to disrupt its operation in Ukraine.
“In this regard, according to the Article 51, part of the Unted Nations Charter, with the consent of the Russian Federation Council, and in accordance of the ratified agreement on February 22, of this year on friendship and mutual aid with Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic, I decided to conduct a special military operation,” he said.
“Its goal is the protection of people, who during eight, suffered from abuse and genocide from the Kyiv Regime.
“Whoever would stop us, and further create threats to our country, to our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and lead to such consequences that you have never faced in your history. We are ready for any outcome.”