KISHINEV, Moldova 

The Eastern European country of Moldova decided to close its airspace after Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, its vice president, Andrey Spinu, said Thursday. 

The decision by the country's Supreme Security Council is effective as of 12 p.m. local time (1000GMT).

President Maia Sandu condemned the Russian move as "a blatant breach of international law and of Ukrainian sovereignty & territorial integrity."

As a neutral state, Moldova stands ready to assist Ukrainian citizens in their humanitarian needs, she added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin green-lighted the long-feared military operation in Ukraine, marking a fresh escalation that has drawn condemnations from around the world.

The Russian intervention came just days after it recognized two separatist-held enclaves, Donetsk and Lugansk, in eastern Ukraine, drawing international condemnation and announcements of tougher sanctions on Moscow.

*Writing by Merve Berker