Vladimir Putin announces Russian military operation in Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming that it’s intended to protect civilians.

In a televised address early Thursday, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine.

He added that Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy Ukraine.

Putin said the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime.”

Putin is warning other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”