Putin says attack on Ukraine is a forced measure

"This is the most important thing to make clear: What is happening (in Ukraine) is a forced measure. We simply had no other option," Putin said at a meeting with business representatives.

Putin also said that Russia will remain part of the world economy.

"We will not damage the system in which we find ourselves. Our partners should understand that," he said.

As previously reported, Russian forces carried out attacks on Ukraine's military infrastructure on the morning of Feb. 24. There are reports of human casualties. The attacks were carried out mainly with Kalibr cruise missiles.

In Mykolaiv, the Kulbakino military airfield was hit by cruise missiles. Explosions were heard in all parts of the city, and numerous fires broke out at the impact sites of the missiles. Civilian facilities in the city were not damaged.