Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a “special military operation” in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, writes BBC.

In a televised address, he urged Ukrainian soldiers who are facing off Russian-backed rebels to lay down weapons and return to their homes.

Mr Putin said Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine, but warned that Moscow’s response would be “instant” if anyone tries to take on Russia.

Ukraine said that “Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine”.

In a tweet, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote: “Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now”.

Ukraine’s Western allies had earlier warned Russia was poised to invade.