Russia confirmed it was targeting military facilities across the country, including airfields and anti-aircraft systems. The government in Kyiv called it a “full-scale invasion” and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy imposed martial law.
President Vladimir Putin said he had ordered a military operation to support separatists in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, and claimed he did not plan to occupy the country.
The Ukrainian leader urged people to stay calm and remain at home if possible, saying “we are working, the army is working.”Russia’s Defense Ministry said it’s using “high-precision” weapons to target Ukrainian military infrastructure, Tass reported. The Interior Ministry warned Kyiv was under attack from ballistic missiles and urged citizens to go to shelters. Interfax also reported Russian assault troops were landing in the Black Sea port cities of Odesa and Mariupol, citing an official in the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
“This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win,” he said. Kuleba said the world can and must stop Putin, adding “the time to act is now.”Ukraine closed its airspace for passenger flights, according to a notice Thursday. Russia has also put in place flight restrictions over Ukrainian territory. Putin accused the US of ignoring Russia’s demands for security guarantees and crossing its “red lines” with an expansion of Nato infrastructure east.
Biden said in a statement that “Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” adding Russia alone would be responsible for “the death and destruction this attack will bring.” Ukraine poses no threat to Russia but will defend itself if attacked, Zelenskiy said in his speech. He said Putin didn’t respond to a request to talk by phone on Wednesday. Earlier, Ukraine’s foreign minister said he would seek another emergency session of the UN Security Council.
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