Putin declares war as Russia invades Ukraine | First Thing

Russian forces launch a special military operation' in Ukraine. Plus: the climate research publisher consulting for fossil fuel firms

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Good morning.

After weeks of threats and failed attempts at diplomacy, Vladimir Putin launched a broad Russian military offensive targeting Ukraine at around 5am Ukrainian time today. World leaders warn this invasion could spark the largest war in Europe since 1945.

The first casualties have been reported. At least eight people have been killed and nine were wounded by the Russian shelling. It's unclear if any were civilians.

Russia-backed separatist rebels were reported to be attacking Ukrainian positions around the self-proclaimed republics of Luhansk and Donetsk about two hours into the attack.

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, announced martial law had been declared across the country in the immediate aftermath of the first wave of strikes.