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.
