Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency Security Council meeting that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine targeted the ruling junta in Kyiv.
"I would like to say in conclusion that we are not aggressive towards the Ukrainian people, but towards the ruling junta in Kyiv," Nebenzia said, Thursday (24/2), as quoted by Al Jazeera.
President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (Feb 24) authorized Russia's military operation in eastern Ukraine, a move that could be the start of a war in Europe.
Putin said he had authorized Russian special military operations in breakaway areas in eastern Ukraine, so clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces were only a matter of time.
"I have made a decision on military operations," he said in a surprise statement broadcast live on television just before 6 a.m. Moscow time.
Putin later denounced what he described as a "genocide" carried out by Ukraine in the East, as well as NATO's aggressive policies towards Russia. "For this, we will strive to achieve the demilitarization and de-Nazification of Ukraine," Putin said
He also promised to bring "those who have committed many crimes to justice, who are responsible for the bloodshed of civilians, including Russian citizens".
Putin said he had ordered Russian troops to protect the people and demanded Ukrainian troops lay down their weapons.
He also warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with Russia's actions would lead to "consequences they have never seen".
