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Russian President Vladimir Putin announces a "military operation" in Ukraine's Donbas region He urges Ukrainian soldiers in eastern Ukraine to lay down weapons and return to their homes Putin warns that Moscow's response will be "instant" if anyone tries to take on Russia Ukraine's foreign minister accuses Russia of starting a full-scale war, and urges the UN "to do everything possible" to stop it BBC Kyiv correspondent James Waterhouse says a Ukrainian government official has given an indication of the breadth of the Russian military action so far. The official says there have been cruise missile strikes launched this morning...

Russian forces will carry out 'special military operation' in Ukraine, says Putin Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia will carry out a “special military operation” in Ukraine, Reuters reports. In an address to the Russian people under way now and coinciding with the United nations security council meeting, the Russian president also said: Clashes between Ukrainian and Russian forces are “inevitable” and “only a question of time”. Further nato expansion and its use of Ukraine’s territory are unacceptable The Russian military operation aims to “protect people” Circumstances “demand decisive action from Russia”

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday, delivered three strong signals that he intends to invade Ukraine. Addressing military commanders and intelligence chiefs at the Defense Ministry, Putin offered a preemptive casus belli to justify invading Ukraine in order to address an existential threat to Russia. The Russian leader warned that the United States "will supply Ukraine with hypersonic weapons," which would reduce the nuclear strike launch-to-target time against Moscow to "five minutes." This, Putin insisted, would pose "the most serious threat" to Russia's security. One that means "we simply have nowhere to retreat further." Note the explicitly existential nature of...

RUSSIA has warned war is 'highly likely' with Ukraine following orders to troops to remain 'combat ready' after speculation of a Ukrainian invasion. The Kremlin has said that Kiev's desire to retake Crimea is "direct threat", as the US vows to respond following growing reports of a Russian invasion. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have been escalating over recent weeks, with Moscow having massed troops within striking distance of its neighbour’s borders. Vladimir Putin has also ordered US officials to leave Russia immediately amid fears he plans to order an invasion of Ukraine, before the end of January. Ukrainian President...

A man who put up his fists for the right to sunbathe nude outside a bar in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood has died of injuries he suffered in the fight, police said Tuesday. Jay Carbone, 52, hit his head during the scuffle at the Pendulum bar and died at Davies Medical Center. No one has been arrested, but police are investigating whether homicide charges should be brought. Police Inspector Herman Jones said the incident had occurred Thursday afternoon when Carbone came to the Pendulum on 18th Street, ordered drinks, disrobed on the back terrace and proceeded to sunbathe. After about...