Italy decries 'unjustified' Russian intervention in Ukraine

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) – Italy on Thursday condemned the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, calling it "unjustified and unprovoked".

"The Russian military operation is a very serious, unjustified and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which Italy strongly condemns," Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Twitter.

"It represents a violation of international law," he said. "Italy stands alongside the Ukrainian people, together with EU and Atlantic partners."

Russia is using weapons and missiles to target key areas in cities, according to reports.

Early Thursday, explosions were reported in several Ukrainian provinces, including the capital Kyiv, and tanks reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

The news followed Russian President Vladimir Putin announcing a military intervention in Ukraine, just days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. The recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk drew international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions against Moscow.

Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops around Ukraine in recent months, but Putin repeatedly denied any intention of invading.