Russia Launches Military Operation in Ukraine

In the early hours of Thursday morning, Russia announced a military operation in Ukraine, prompting world leaders to condemn what many call the start of a war.

Putin claimed in a televised address that the operation was aimed at protecting eastern Ukraine from what he called a “regime.”

Russian forces entered Ukraine and explosions have been heard across the country, including near the capital city of Kyiv, The Hill reports. Ukraine says Russia has struck its military infrastructure.

"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," Biden said in a statement.

Biden is set to hold a meeting Thursday morning with G7 leaders, and is expected to announce additional sanctions against Russia in response to its latest military action.