BRUSSELS - Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a military operation in Ukraine, and he is warning other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen."U.S.
President Joe Biden says the world will "hold Russia accountable."The Ukrainian president earlier rejected Moscow’s claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and made a passionate plea for peace.Before Putin’s announcement, world leaders worked to maintain a united stance and vowed to impose tougher sanctions in the event of a full-fledged invasion.The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting Wednesday night at Ukraine’s request.Here are the things to know about the conflict over Ukraine and the security crisis in Eastern Europe:PUTIN MAKES HIS MOVEPutin said the military operation was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine — a claim the U.S.
had predicted he would falsely make to justify an invasion.In a televised address, Putin accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees.
He said Russia’s goal was not to occupy Ukraine.U.S. President Joe Biden denounced the attack as "unprovoked and unjustified."As Putin spoke, big explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other areas of Ukraine.UKRAINE’S PRESIDENT MAKES PLEA FOR PEACESpeaking in Russian, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an emotional address early Thursday."The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace," he said. "But if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and lives of our children, we will defend ourselves.