Spain decries Russia's military intervention in Ukraine

ANKARA

Spain condemned the Russian intervention in Ukraine on Thursday, voicing solidarity with Kyiv.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Twitter that the government "condemns Russia's aggression against Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the government and the Ukrainian people."

Sanchez added that he is in "close contact" with Madrid's partners and allies in the EU and NATO to coordinate their response.

Calling the Russian intervention "unjustifiable," Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called it "a blatant violation of international law."

"We condemn this aggression and call for its cessation," Manuel tweeted.

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

Earlier in the morning, there were reports of explosions in several Ukrainian provinces, including the capital Kyiv, and several military vehicles reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin early Thursday announced a military intervention in Ukraine just days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. The recognition drew international condemnation and announcements of tougher sanctions on Moscow.

In recent months Putin had amassed over 100,000 Russian troops around Ukraine, but repeatedly denied any intention of invading.