U.S. President Joe Biden is set to speak on Thursday hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" in Ukraine, starting what the latter country has called a full-scale invasion.

As of mid-morning Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian forces are attempting to take the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The Russian military also says it has destroyed 74 Ukrainian facilities, including 11 airbases.

Putin has faced widespread condemnation for the action, with Biden denouncing the "unprovoked and unjustified" attack and saying the world will "hold Russia accountable." The White House said Biden spoke with Zelenskyy shortly after Russia's attacks began, promising "severe sanctions" and international support.

Putin said in an early televised speech Thursday the action was in response to threats coming from Ukraine, yet insisted Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy the country.

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