Russian soldiers started a three-pronged assault on Ukraine, beginning with air and missile assaults on Ukrainian military targets and including ground troops from Crimea.
Ukraine’s government has described the conflict as a “full-scale war” intended at destroying a Western-looking democracy seeking to break free from Moscow’s clutches. According to the health minister, the Russian invasion has resulted in the deaths of 57 Ukrainians and the injuries of 169 others.
As Ukrainian military pushed back and citizens crowded onto trains and automobiles to flee, US and European officials hastened to respond with severe financial sanctions to punish Russia, if not directly in Ukraine. NATO is bolstering its eastern flank.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in a televised address before the strike that it was necessary to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed rebels have been fighting for over eight years.
The Russian president warned other countries that interfering in Ukraine would result in “consequences you have never seen in history,” hinting that Russia was willing to deploy nuclear weapons.
Putin stated that Russia does not seek to occupy Ukraine, but rather “demilitarise” the country. He encouraged Ukrainian troops to “immediately lay down their arms and return home.” Explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa shortly after his speech.
Putin accused the US and its allies of rejecting Russia’s requests that Ukraine be barred from joining NATO and that security guarantees be provided to Moscow.
According to the ministry, 83 Ukrainian military facilities have been damaged.
