Russian Pres. Putin announces a Special Military Operation

Dhwani Mehta FXStreet

In a national address on Thursday, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation in Donbas.

Key quotes

We decided to launch a special military action.

Aimed at demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine.

Clashes between Russian and Ukrainian soldiers are unavoidable ... only a matter of time.

In case of foreign interference, Russia will react immediately.

Russia cannot tolerate threats coming from Ukraine.

Circumstances demand decisive action from Russia.

Further NATO expansion and its use of Ukraine’s territory unacceptable.

"Russia's fate is in the capable hands of our people.”

"The decisions we take will be fulfilled, our goals achieved, and the safety of our motherland safely guaranteed. I believe in our support, in that unconquerable force that gives us our love of our Fatherland."

Meanwhile, there are reports doing the rounds of explosions in Kiew and other Ukrainian cities.

Market reaction

The risk sentiment is getting battered on the above headlines, driving gold price beyond $1,920 and the US dollar index closer to the 96.50 barrier.

Risk-sensitive assets such as AUD/USD and S&P 500 futures are losing further ground, as tensions escalate over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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Author

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

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