Putin announced the launch of a "special military operation" in Ukraine, Bitcoin plummeted, and Vitalik Buterin expressed his position

Global crypto and stock markets plunged after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced in a national broadcast that his military would launch a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

As the sun began to rise over Ukraine, Russian forces launched missiles around several regions of the country, including the capital, Kiev, and the city of Kharkiv.

According to Cointelegraph Markets Pro, Bitcoin prices fell 7.26% today to $35,000. Ethereum fell 9.48%, and Ripple fell 9.24%. The total crypto market capitalization fell 8.25% to $1.58 trillion.

With the S&P 500 (GSPC) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) both falling nearly 2% in the past hour, volatility is rising in other major global financial indices.

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin, who has lived in the Russian city of Kolomna for six years, tweeted in Russian around 4 a.m. UTC (according to a rough translation):

"I am very disappointed that Putin decided to abandon the possibility of a peaceful resolution of the dispute with Ukraine and choose war. This is a crime against the Ukrainian and Russian people. I want to wish everyone peace, although I know it will not be safe. Glory to Ukraine."

He later added in English: “Reminder: Ethereum is neutral, but I am not.”

Altcoin Sherpa, an advisor to Atlas DEX, tweeted that the focus should be on the people involved rather than the impact on the market.

My deepest sympathy to all of you in Ukraine tonight. We sometimes forget that people who live in this situation, it's not all about the markets.
— AltcoinSherpa (@AltcoinSherpa) February 24, 2022

Will Clemente, an analyst at bitcoin mining firm BlockWare, wrote on Twitter:

Thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Ukraine.
— Will Clemente (@WClementeIII) February 24, 2022

In response to Russia’s actions, oil prices have surged to $99.50. Podcast host and cryptocurrency investor Anthony Pompliano noted that because Russia is the world’s third-largest oil producer, “the impact of this situation will be felt around the world.”

Russia is the world's third largest oil producer.
Oil prices just hit $100 a barrel.
The impact of this situation will be felt around the world.
— Pomp (@APompliano) February 24, 2022

As a blockchain news and information platform, Cointelegraph Chinese only provides personal opinions of the author, which has nothing to do with the position of Cointelegraph Chinese platform and does not constitute any investment and financial advice. Please establish correct currency concepts and investment ideas, and effectively improve risk awareness.