These are the areas of Ukraine where explosions have been reported

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine to defend separatists in the east of that country.

(Follow here the live minute by minute of the Russia-Ukraine tension).

“I have made the decision for a military operation,” Putin declared in an unexpected television message, denouncing an alleged “genocide” orchestrated by Ukraine in the east of the country.

Given his determination, several explosions have been reported in Ukraine since Wednesday night.

At least two explosions resounded in the capital Kiev, according to AFP journalists. In the port city of Mariupol, the main city controlled by the Ukrainian government near the front line in the east of the country, powerful explosions were also heard, as well as in Odessa, on the Black Sea, AFP journalists confirmed.

In Kramatorsk, a city that serves as the headquarters of the Ukrainian forces, at least four loud explosions were heard, according to AFP journalists.

(Be sure to read: Russia defends its attack on Ukraine at the UN and says it is not seeking an occupation).

(We recommend: ‘The invasion has begun’: adviser to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine).

Agencies and Newsroom EL TIEMPO