New Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine on Thursday but insisted that Russia does not plan to occupy Ukrainian territory.

“I have taken the decision to carry out a special military operation. Its goal will be to defend people who for eight years are suffering persecution and genocide by the Kyiv regime. For this, we will aim for demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine as well as taking to court those who carried out multiple bloody crimes against civilians including citizens of the Russian Federation. Our plans do not include occupying Ukrainian territory,” Putin said in an address.

He called upon Ukrainian soldiers to lay down arms and warned of severe consequences if Russian forces are opposed.

“Anyone who tries to interfere with us, or even more so, to create threats for our country and our people, must know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to such consequences as you have never before experienced in your history.”

In Washington, President Joe Biden who had warned Russia of reprisal said the US will coordinate with NATO for a response.

“I'll be monitoring the situation from White House this evening & get regular updates from my national security team. Tomorrow, I'll meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning... We'll coordinate with our NATO allies,” Biden said.

“Prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked & 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.

Shortly after Putin ordered military operations, the headquarters of the Ukraine Armed Forces as well as several important military buildings in Kiev were targeted by tactical ballistic missiles by the Russian Army.

Putin’s order came after Russia had insisted for weeks that it had no plans of attacking Ukraine.