Putin threatens the outside world: Do not interfere

 Putin threatens the outside world: Do not interfere

Of:

Emil Forsberg

PUBLISHED: TODAY 06.48

UPDATED: LESS THAN 3 HOURS AGO

NEWS

Vladimir Putin has launched a military invasion of Ukraine.

Now he warns other countries from interfering.

- You will face the biggest consequences throughout history, he says in a speech.

In a televised speech to the nation, the Russian president said that "a special military operation has been launched" with the aim of "demilitarizing the country".

"Put down your weapons and go home," Putin told Ukrainian troops, according to BNO News.

According to Putin, the Russian action is about "protecting Ukraine from those who have taken the country hostage. He further said that clashes between Russian and Ukrainian soldiers were inevitable - and that the outside world should stay out.

"Hope you listen"

- To everyone who is considering getting involved from the outside: If you do, you will face consequences greater than any of you have encountered throughout history. All relevant decisions have been made. I hope you listen, he says.

US President Joe Biden promised a unified response to Russia and its allies, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Putin to withdraw:

- President Putin, in the name of humanity, take your troops back to Russia. This conflict must end now.

Cars are trying to leave Kiev after the invasion.

Cars are trying to leave Kiev after the invasion.

Photo: VALENTYN OGIRENKO / REUTERS

"The beginning of a great war in Europe"

After midnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj gave a dramatic speech on social media. He addressed the people of both Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky said he had tried in vain to call Vladimir Putin and that Russia had now approved a military attack on his country.

"This could be the beginning of a major war on the European continent," he said.

Zelensky appealed directly to the Russian people:

- I know that Russian television will not show my speech. But Russia's citizens need to see that. They must see the truth. The truth is, you have to stop it before it's too late.