Russia is attacking Ukraine. Here's why Putin pulled the trigger.

It's finally happening. Just before dawn on Thursday in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia will conduct military operations in eastern Ukraine. [View in browser]( [Image]( February 24, 2022 THE LATEST [Alternate text] [Russia is attacking Ukraine. Here's why Putin pulled the trigger.]( by Zeeshan Aleem It's [finally happening](. Just before dawn on Thursday in Moscow, President Vladimir Putin announced Russia will [conduct military operations]( in eastern Ukraine. Shortly after this announcement, explosions were heard in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, and martial law was declared in the former Soviet republic. While Moscow has been hinting at a potential attack for weeks, experts do not share a consensus about what motivated Russia to finally make its move, notes Zeeshan Aleem. And many questions remain about the scope of Putin's ambitions. But whatever happens next, we can predict who will suffer the most. "As with all war, civilians will bear the brunt of cold geopolitical maneuvering," writes Aleem. "Let's hope for the best for Ukrainians and their right to self-determination as the country faces off against a formidable foe and the international community scrambles to decide what it will do to deter Russia from going further." Zeeshan Aleem's [full analysis]( your Thursday [MSNBC Daily.]( TOP STORIES [Alternate text] [A photo of Putin]( [Zeeshan Aleem]( [Why experts were so alarmed by Putin's radical, disturbing Ukraine speech]( Putin's distortion of Russian history is alarming — and revealing. [Read More]( [A photo of Trump and Putin]( [Ja'han Jones]( [It’s time to admit the obvious: Trump is sure acting like a Russian agent]( Trump's praise of Putin should be the last straw for anyone holding out hope he's not driven in part by Russian interests. [Read More]( [A photo of Rick Scott]( [Hayes Brown]( [Rick Scott's bonkers Senate plan is Mitch McConnell’s nightmare]( Sen. Scott has a plan to 'Rescue America.' It's screaming the quiet parts out loud. [Read More]( [A photo of protest signs that say 'ACA is here to stay']( [Steve Benen]( [ACA repeal quietly disappears from the Republicans' to-do list]( The debate has reached a new stage. [Read More]( TOP VIDEOS [Alternate text] [A photo of Kyiv capitol]( [Russia-Ukraine crisis]( [Explosions and sirens sound in Kyiv as Russia launches military action]( [A photo of Biden]( [The Last Word]( [Biden condemns Russia's 'unprovoked and unjustified attack' on Ukraine]( [A photo of SCOTUS]( [Stephanie Ruhle]( [Top priorities for Biden as he narrows in on Supreme Court nominee]( [A photo of Trump's silhouette ]( [The Beat With Ari]( [Legal experts: Two New York prosecutors' resignations in Trump probe sends a 'huge message']( MORE FROM MSNBC [Alternate text] President Biden delivers his first State of the Union address on Tuesday. What will he say to Congress and the nation eight months before the midterm elections? Join Rachel Maddow, Joy Reid, Nicolle Wallace and Steve Kornacki for special coverage as they break down the night. Watch special coverage of the State of the Union starting at 8 p.m. ET. [Image] [Image] [Privacy]( [Unsubscribe](listvar=sub_daily)