Russian President announces "military operation" in Ukraine's Donbas region

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "military operation" in Ukraine's Donbas region.

He urged Ukrainian soldiers in eastern Ukraine to lay down weapons and return to their homes.

Putin warned that Moscow's response will be "instant" if anyone tries to take on Russia.

Reports are now coming of explosions in several Ukrainian cities, and gunfire near main Boryspil airport in the capital Kyiv.

Russia is launching its military operation just days after recognising the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.