Whoever tries to stop us will face serious consequences – Putin warns

Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, has sent out warning shots to those willing to compromise the security of his nation saying they should be prepared to face dire consequences.

Putin had announced a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday with explosions heard soon after across the country and its foreign minister warning a “full-scale invasion” was underway.

Shortly after the announcement, explosions were heard in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and several other cities,

Weeks of intense diplomacy and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia failed to deter Putin, who had massed between 150,000 and 200,000 troops along the borders of Ukraine.

“We are ready for any outcome,” was what the Russian strongman uttered in a televised message on Thursday morning.

“Whoever will try to stop us and further create threats to our country, our people should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and lead to such consequences that you have never faced in your history.”

“Its goal is the protection of the people who during eight years suffer from abuse and genocide from the Kyiv’s regime,” he said in defence of the military offensive

Despite the incursion by Russia, a close ally to Putin, President Alexander Lukashenko. has claimed that Belarusian troops are not taking part in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,

“Our troops are taking no part in this operation,” Lukashenko said.

He also said he had “personally suggested” to Putin for “a number of the Russian armed forces” to stay in the south of the country despite joint military drills coming to an end.

End To Diplomatic Ties

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a meeting with Britain’s Prime Minister during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, southern Germany, on February 19, 2022. Matt Dunham / POOL / AFP

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced Thursday that Ukraine has cut diplomatic ties with Russia after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion.

Zelenskiy made this known in an address to the nation, where he likened Russia’s bold move to that of the Third Reich of Nazi Germany.

The Ukrainian leader called on everyone with combat experience to take up arms, asked for blood donors and guaranteed an amnesty to “all those who are now under sanctions but are ready to fight with Russia.”

Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak said Ukraine’s forces were “waging heavy combat” and repelling Russian advances in some parts

Reports from Ukraine claim a death toll of about 40 people so far amid Russia’s invasion. It is however unclear whether the casualties included civilians.

More details later …..