ANKARA

The National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces condemned Russia's military intervention in Ukraine, emphasizing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

"The Syrian National Coalition condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine and invites the world to stand firm against it," the coalition said in a statement.

The coalition went on to call on the international community to take action against the Russian military intervention, saying: "As Syrian people, we stand by the friendly Ukrainian people and support their resistance against Russia."

Russian President Vladimir Putin early Thursday announced a military intervention in Ukraine, just days after recognizing two separatist-held enclaves in eastern Ukraine. The recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk drew international condemnations and announcements of tougher sanctions on Moscow.

There were reports of explosions in several Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv, and several military vehicles reportedly crossed the border from Belarus into Ukraine.

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