Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced he is authorizing a special military operation in eastern Ukraine.
He says he's not seeking to occupy the country, but is taking action to protect Russian lives.
There have been reports of explosions in the cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv, as well as in eastern Ukraine.
Shortly before the Russian President's speech was screened on Russian state television, UN Secretary General Antonio Guttieres delivered a direct appeal to him.
IN: "I have only…"
OUT: "…
DUR: 18 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223guttieres-self1.mp3
Our US correspondent Simon Marks has more.
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OUT: "…war in Europe"
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http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0223ukraine-marks1.mp3