Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced the launch of military action in Ukraine, culminating the tensions that had been building up between the two countries.
Soon after Putin’s announcement, explosions were heard in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and several other cities.
A CBS journalist reporting live from Kyiv said during a live telecast that he had heard five loud explosions. In the middle of his report, he was caught off-guard by a roaring sound.
CBS NEWS correspondent in #Ukraine hears explosion nearby in Kyiv #Breaking_News #InvasionDay #Russian #RussiaUkraineCrisis pic.twitter.com/swIdyGW8lE
— Rebecca Aguilar (@RebeccaAguilar) February 24, 2022
Follow live updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis here.
Several others on Twitter shared videos of explosions from Ukrainian cities. One video from Mariupol city captured loud thundering sounds.
BREAKING: Explosions in Ukraine's city of Mariupol pic.twitter.com/57ZZVyx5w2— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) February 24, 2022
Large explosion on the outskirts of #Kyiv , #Ukrainepic.twitter.com/OASeiBuK67— Voice of Reason (@Ardiaei1912) February 24, 2022
United States President Joe Biden said the world was praying for Ukrainians suffering an “unprovoked and unjustified” attack by Russian military forces.
“President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said. “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.”
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia's action had put countless lives at risk.
"Once again, despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy, Russia has chosen the path of aggression against a sovereign and independent country," Stoltenberg said.
