Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally declared war on Ukraine. Moments after this announcement large explosions were witnessed in the embattled country¡¯s Kyiv and Kharkiv regions.??
Meanwhile, a video has emerged of a CNN correspondent who reported hearing blasts in the early hours of Thursday morning in the?Ukrainian capital Kyiv.?
In the said viral video?Senior International correspondent?Matthew Chance was reporting about the potential crisis when he said that he heard between seven and eight explosions. As soon as he heard the loud noises, he?quickly put on his flak jacket and headgear while he continued to report from a balcony in the Ukrainian capital.
The 21-year veteran of the news agency said, "I just heard a big bang right here behind me. I've never heard anything like it."
"There are big explosions taking place. I can¡¯t see them or explain what they are. but I will tell you the U.S has warned the Ukrainian authorities there could be airstrikes and ground attacks as well around the country, including the capital. I don't know if that¡¯s what¡¯s occurring now but it¡¯s a remarkable coincidence that the explosions come just minutes after Putin gave his speech," Chance explained.?
He added how it was completely silent before and this is happening for the first time.?
"This is the first time we¡¯ve heard anything. It has been absolutely silent. This is the first time. It has to be more than just a coincidence. I think tis¡¯ safe where I am. I have a flak jacket," Chance remarked before ducking down to put on his protective gear.
He added that the blasts that are occurring in the Ukrainian capital are still a little farther from the centre. "It was so quiet in Ukraine tonight up until those explosions,' Chance added. "What we thought was unthinkable until a few hours ago, is now underway."
He also suggested that first, he didn't know what the targets are but?later he suggested that Russia was trying to disable Ukraine's airports and destroying airstrips, although he stressed that it was unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, people who watched Chance continue despite the international crisis thanked him and all the journalists who continue to do their job despite the hardships.?
These blasts started occurring minutes after Putin declared that Russia would conduct a military operation in eastern Ukraine. Sounds of explosions were also reported in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol in Donetsk province, and in Belgorod Oblast in Russia.
Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian planes.?
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