• Pres. Putin went on to say about the operation: "Its goal is to protect people who have been abused by the genocide of the Kyiv regime for eight years. And to this end, we will strive for the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine, as well as bringing to justice those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including citizens of the Russian Federation."
• Meanwhile - Ukraine, the United States and multiple others denounce the attack: "In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
• The military operation targeted key cities - including Ukraine's largest (its capital city of Kyiv) and second-largest (Kharkiv), as well as port cities.
• Why It Matters: The attack is being described as the largest attack from one European nation to another since WWII.

Transcript of Vladimir Putin’s speech announcing ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine

Russia declares war, launches attack in Ukraine; explosions reported

Russia attacks Ukraine; conflict reverberates around globe