Russia’s Putin announces military operation in Ukraine
Mr Putin claimed it is intended to protect civilians.
Mr Putin claimed it is intended to protect civilians.
Washington has not responded to Russia's security guarantee proposals, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said.
The US is desperate to explore new buyers for its natural gas and the strategic significance of the European market has become increasingly important for the US.
South Korea will actively participate in peace efforts, he said, presiding over an unscheduled meeting of the National Security Council.
President Joko Widodo tweeted that the Ukraine crisis “must be dealt with carefully so that humanity can be spared from a major catastrophe”.
He expressed confidence that there could be a solution if US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin hold talks.
It was not immediately clear whether the Russian military action was the start of an invasion of Ukraine that the United States and its allies have warned about for weeks.
Putin also said Russia does not want war, and that is why it submitted proposals on security guarantees in Europe.
Moscow did not say how many units were being withdrawn, and how far.
A Russian military buildup near Ukraine has stoked fears that Moscow may plan to attack, something Russia denies.