ATHENS

The Greek government is holding an emergency meeting on Thursday after recent developments in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is chairing the meeting by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Council (KYSEA).

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias is returning to Athens urgently from Africa amid Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, according to an announcement from his ministry.

Early Thursday, explosions were reported in several Ukrainian provinces, including the capital Kyiv, and tanks reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

The news followed Russian President Vladimir Putin announcing a military intervention in Ukraine, just days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. The recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk drew international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions against Moscow.

Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops around Ukraine in recent months, but Putin repeatedly denied any intention of invading.