VIDEO: Russia Invades Ukraine — War Impacting Global Financial Markets

Missiles and airstrikes hit more than a dozen cities across Ukraine, minutes after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation. President Joe Biden called the move unprovoked and unjustified, pledging further action against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released an emotional video address early Thursday morning local time SEE ABOVE, appealing to Russians not to support a “major war in Europe."

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The war is sending global financial markets spiraling. U.S. markets which have been unstable in the past week, are now expected to open lower.

The Dow and NASDAQ futures look to open 2% lower.

Closer to home, the war is likely to send gas prices even higher. On Monday GoLocal reported, Rhode Island’s average gas price is up 6 cents from last week ($3.48), averaging $3.54 per gallon, according to AAA -- with Monday’s price now 19 cents higher than a month ago ($3.35).

Monday's average price is 99 cents higher than February 21, 2021 ($2.55).

The BBC reports:

There are reports of attacks on military infrastructure across Ukraine, and Russian convoys entering from all directions. Missile strikes and explosions have been reported near major cities.

BBC correspondents have heard loud bangs in the capital Kyiv, as well as Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

Blasts have also been heard in the southern port city of Odesa.

And, France 24 reports:

The EU on Wednesday imposed sanctions on Russia’s defense minister Sergei Shoigu and military chiefs as part of a package of measures over the Kremlin’s recognition of two separatist Ukrainian regions as independent.

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