Watch: Blasts rock cities across Ukraine; Russia claims it destroyed airbases

In a televised address early Thursday, Putin announced military action in Donbad and urged Ukrainian forces to lay down their arms and return home. He said that the military action was being launched in response to threats coming from Ukraine, AP reported. He said Russia doesn’t intend to occupy Ukraine but will move to demilitarize it and bring those who committed crimes to justice. Putin also accused the US and NATO of ignoring Russia’s demands to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.

Live on @CNN air- Matthew Chance hears loud explosions in the Capital City of Kyiv. Unclear where they came from- but they happened just minutes after Putin effectively declared war on Ukraine. Moments later Chance put a flack jacket on live on the air. pic.twitter.com/EQgsKPzlJQ

— Ryan Nobles (@ryanobles) February 24, 2022

Just minutes later, CNN reported hearing gunfire and several explosions in Kyiv, in the direction of the international airport. Some explosions were also heard in Mariupol, located in eastern Ukraine, AFP reported.

BREAKING: Explosions in Ukraine’s city of Mariupol pic.twitter.com/57ZZVyx5w2

— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) February 24, 2022

Early Thursday airspace over all of Ukraine was shut down to civilian air traffic according to a notice to airmen, AP reported. Air India’s second special flight AI- 1947 left for Ukraine’s Boryspil airport today in the morning.

Responding to Putin’s address, US President Joe Biden said that the “world will hold Russia accountable” for the attack on Ukraine, which he warned would result in a “catastrophic loss of life”.