Latest developments on Russia-Ukraine crisis

Funmilayo Ayanwusi
2 Min Read

Agency Report

Here are the latest developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine:

– Putin announces ‘operation’ –

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears on television to announce a military operation in Ukraine to defend separatists in the east of the country against “genocide” shortly before 6 am (0300 GMT).

– Explosions –

Explosions ring out before dawn in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and several cities near the frontline and along the country’s coast.

– ‘Full-scale invasion’ –

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accuses Putin of launching a “full-scale invasion”.

– Ground forces deployed –

Russia’s ground forces cross into Ukraine from several directions, Ukraine’s border guard service says.

– Martial law –

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky declares martial law and later breaks diplomatic ties with Russia.

– ‘Maximum losses’ –

The head of the Ukrainian military says he has received orders from Zelensky to repel a Russian invasion and to “inflict maximum losses”.

– Airbases, defences ‘destroyed’ –

Russia’s defence ministry says it has neutralised Ukrainian military airbases and its air defence systems.

– 50 ‘occupiers’ killed –

Ukraine says it has killed “around 50 Russian occupiers” while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels.

– Belarus not taking part –

Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko says that his military is not taking part in the invasion, as Kyiv says Russian troops were entering the country from Belarusian territory.

– Biden warning –

US President Joe Biden says the “world will hold Russia accountable” over the military onslaught that he warned will cause a “catastrophic loss of life”.

– Poland calls for NATO action –

Poland asks NATO to activate Article 4, which calls for emergency consultations if a member is threatened.

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