Russia-Ukraine war Updates: Joe Biden vows freedom will prevail; Russia says first day of invasion 'successful'

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Canada sanctions 58 Russian individuals and entities, declares Justin Trudeau

#BREAKING Canada sanctions 58 Russian individuals and entities: Trudeau pic.twitter.com/kYAff4CTKb

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates

G7 will impose ‘devastating’ sanctions on Russia, says Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden announced “devastating” Western sanctions against Russia on Thursday and was shortly to address the American people on the unfolding invasion of Ukraine. 

After a virtual, closed-door meeting which lasted an hour and 10 minutes, the group of rich Western democracies — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States — said it was standing firm against Russia’s “threat to the rules-based international order.”

– AFP

This morning, I met with my G7 counterparts to discuss President Putin’s unjustified attack on Ukraine and we agreed to move forward on devastating packages of sanctions and other economic measures to hold Russia to account. We stand with the brave people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/dzvYxj7J9w

— President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates

Britain to ban Russian Russian Airlines Aeroflot from its airspace

WATCH LIVE: An update to the @HouseOfCommons on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. https://t.co/Myfv8BzhIW

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates

Will respond in kind to ‘unfriendly’ European Union sanctions, says Russia

Moscow vowed Thursday to respond in kind to “unfriendly” European Union sanctions imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“In accordance with the principle of reciprocity, which is fundamental to international law, we will take tough retaliatory measures,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The EU’s new unfriendly steps against Russia — as well as our brothers DNR and LNR — will not be able to stop our progressive development,” the foreign ministry said, referring to Ukraine’s separatist regions.

– AFP

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts business summit to discuss sanctions in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts business summit to discuss sanctions in Moscow

(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/SyL1uor31I

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Dozens detained at anti-war rallies in Moscow

Dozens of people gathering in Moscow and Saint Petersburg Thursday to protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have been detained, according to AFP journalists at the demonstrations.

Riot police at Pushkin Square in central Moscow arrested dozens of people, while around 20 people have been detained in Russia’s former imperial capital Saint Petersburg.

– AFP

#BREAKING Dozens detained at anti-war rallies in Moscow, Saint Petersburg: AFP journalists
📸 Kirill Kudryavtsev #AFP pic.twitter.com/zkcZyKF4fO

— AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Russia captures airfield near Kyiv, says Ukraine leader

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Ukraine capital Kyiv declares curfew: Mayor Vitaly Klitschko

Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko on Thursday announced an overnight curfew in Ukraine’s capital as the country battled to repel a Russian invasion.

The former world heavyweight boxing champion said the curfew would last from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am local time (2000-0500 GMT) and that public transport would stop working during that period.

– AFP

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates  

Indian passengers from Ukraine can return via Qatar, says govt

The Centre on Thursday said Indian passengers from Ukraine can return via Qatar, with aviation industry experts stating that civilian flights will restart from Ukraine only when its airspace opens.

Currently 20,000 Indians, mostly students, are stranded in Ukraine.  Since the Ukrainian airspace is closed due to the Russian military offensive, it is currently not clear how they are to travel from Ukraine to Qatar to take Qatar-India flights, which are operating normally.

– PTI

Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation has allowed passengers traveling from Ukraine to travel by transit under India- Qatar bilateral air bubble arrangement.

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Czech Republic stops issuing visas to Russian citizens

Czech authorities have suspended the issuance of visas to Russian citizens amid the military operation in Ukraine, according to report by Hindustan Times.

The visa will continue to be issued as an exception only for humanitarian reasons. The Czech Republic has temporarily closed its consular offices in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. In addition, the Czech authorities decided to revoke the work permits of the Russian consulates in Karlovy Vary and Brno.

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Czech Republic stops issuing visas to Russian citizens

Czech authorities have suspended the issuance of visas to Russian citizens amid the military operation in Ukraine, according to report by Hindustan Times.

The visa will continue to be issued as an exception only for humanitarian reasons. The Czech Republic has temporarily closed its consular offices in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. In addition, the Czech authorities decided to revoke the work permits of the Russian consulates in Karlovy Vary and Brno.

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates  

This hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure, says Boris Johnson

UK prime minister Boris Johnson on Thursday termed the Russian invasion of Kiev as a “catastrophe for the European continent” and said that Britain and its allies ‘will respond decisively’.

He blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for choosing a “path of bloodshed and destruction” for his unprovoked attack on Ukraine.

“I am appalled by the horrific events in Ukraine and I have spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the next steps. President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively,” tweeted Johnson.

– ANI

Our mission is clear – diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure. pic.twitter.com/nmFhpDrDEy

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates

In Lviv, air raid sirens sounded for the first time since World War II 

On Thursday morning, air raid sirens sounded in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv for the first time — outside of regular drills — since World War II. Like clockwork, the picturesque city transformed from a tourist hotspot to a place preparing for war

– CNN

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates

In Lviv, air raid sirens sounded for the first time since World War II 

On Thursday morning, air raid sirens sounded in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv for the first time — outside of regular drills — since World War II. Like clockwork, the picturesque city transformed from a tourist hotspot to a place preparing for war

– CNN

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates:

Russian forces take control of Hostomel airport near Kyiv

Russian helicopters on Thursday attacked Hostomel, a military airport near the capital of Kyiv, and Ukraine downed three of them, Ukrainian officials said, according to a report by Reuters

Ukrainian border officials said that the Russian military was trying to penetrate into Ukraine’s Kyiv region and its Zhytomyr region on the Belarusian border and that Russia was using Grad rocket systems.

🚨BREAKING: Russia fires artillery rockets toward Ukraine live on the air on CNN with @fpleitgenCNN reporting pic.twitter.com/C4eceHQ8rx

— Nora Neus (@noraneus) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE Updates

PM Modi likely to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight

This comes after the Ukrainian ambassador to India Igor Polikha on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support amid the ongoing military operation from Russia in Ukraine.

“We urge PM Narendra Modi to immediately contact Russian President Vladimir Putin and our President Volodymyr Zelensky,” Polikha said. “I don’t know how many world leaders Putin may listen to but, the status of Modi ji makes me hopeful. Because of his strong voice, Putin would at least think it over. We are expecting a much more favourable attitude from the Indian government. It’s the moment of truth, the moment of destiny,” Polikha said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight: Sources #RussiaUkraineConflict pic.twitter.com/825LKD0WMC

— ANI (@ANI) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

70 Ukrainian military targets destroyed, including 11 airfields: Moscow

Russia said Thursday that its military had destroyed more than 70 military targets including 11 airfields in Ukraine.

“As a result of strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces, 74 Ukrainian military ground facilities were destroyed,” said Igor Konashenkov, a defence ministry spokesman, specifying that destroyed facilities included 11 airfields. He said a Ukrainian military helicopter and four drones had also been shot down.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Biden meets G7 allies, addresses US on response to Russia

US President Joe Biden was meeting with G7 allies Thursday to hammer out a raft of new sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine, and will later speak to the American people on a crisis that he warns will cause “catastrophic loss of life.”

The virtual, closed-door meeting of G7 leaders — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States — was set to start at 9 am (1400 GMT), with Biden’s White House speech scheduled for early afternoon.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Moscow warns Russians against joining anti-war protests

Russian authorities on Thursday warned anti-war sympathisers from gathering for protests, after President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine.

The Investigative Committee in a statement warned Russians of legal repercussions for joining unsanctioned protests related to “the tense foreign political situation”.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Russian helicopters attack military airport near Kyiv

Russian helicopters on Thursday attacked Gostomel, a military airport near the capital of Kyiv, and Ukraine downed three of them, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukrainian border officials said that the Russian military was trying to penetrate into Ukraine’s Kyiv region and its Zhytomyr region on the Belarusian border and that Russia was using Grad rocket systems.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Go to nearest bomb shelters: India’s advisory to citizens in Ukraine

Issuing its third advisory since Thursday morning on guidelines for Indians in Ukraine, the Indian embassy said, “We are aware that certain places are hearing air sirens/bomb warnings. In case you are faced with such a situation, google maps has a list of nearby bomb shelters, many of which are located in underground metros,” the embassy said. 

“Since the air space in Ukraine has been closed, we have stopped the measures to bring back Indians via flights. We are planning alternative measures to bring back Indians. Ministry of External Affairs has decided to send more diplomats to this area to help the Indian embassy,” said V Muraleedharan, the junior Foreign Minister.

There are approximately 18,000 Indians in Ukraine, many of them students. An Air India flight sent for evacuation took off at 7.30 am but had to return after Ukraine closed its airspace for commercial flights.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Reckless act by Putin: German chancellor on Russian invasion

German chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized Russia’s military operation in the strongest possible terms, calling it a “reckless act by President Putin,” a “terrible day for Ukraine and a dark day for Europe.”

“There is no justification for any of this — this is Putin’s war,” Scholz told reporters at a news conference in Berlin.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Ukrainian plane with 14 aboard crashes in south Kyiv

A Ukrainian military plane with 14 people aboard crashed south of Kyiv on Thursday, the emergencies service said. The service said it was “still determining how many people died.” The incident occurred about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Kyiv, amid reports of several locations around the city coming under attack.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Russia’s security concerns over Ukraine ‘reasonable’: China

Beijing on Thursday told Russia’s foreign minister it understands Moscow’s “reasonable concerns on security issues” over Ukraine, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, after President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack on the country.

In a phone call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Russian counterpart, Wang said that although Beijing “has always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries… we have also seen that the Ukrainian issue has its own complicated and unique history”.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Putin’s ‘barbaric’ venture must end in failure: Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Jonson has said the “hideous and barbaric venture” of Russian president Vladimir Putin “must end in failure”.

He said: “It’s because we’ve been so alarmed in recent months at Russian intimidation that the UK became one of the first countries in Europe to send defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians.

“Other allies have now done the same and we will do what more we can in the days ahead.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Air combat over Kyiv skies

Russian forces broke through on Thursday into the north of the Kyiv region, Ukraine’s border guards said, staging an attack with Grad missiles on government positions.

An AFP reporter in the northern part of Ukraine’s capital also saw several low-flying helicopters flying toward the city, amid reports that an airfield was under attack.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Over 30 Russian strikes on civilian and military infrastructure: Ukraine

Russia has attacked Ukraine with more than 30 strikes on civilian and military infrastructure, including with Kalibr cruise missiles, said Ukraine’s military to news agency Reuters on Thursday.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Special operation not occupation, says Kremlin spokesperson

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred to Russia’s military attack on Ukraine as a “special operation” Thursday, but dodged most questions on its nature or objectives in a call with foreign journalists. 

“I cannot give you information on the military, technological and other components of this operation,” Peskov said. “The only primary source here should be our military and defense departments.”

The spokesman added that occupation was not the objective, echoing President Vladimir Putin’s claims in a televised address earlier on Thursday.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

‘Like Nazi Germany’: President Zelensky on Putin’s military offensive

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday compared Russia’s invasion of his country to military campaigns carried out by Nazi Germany during World War II.

“Russia has attacked Ukraine in a cowardly and suicidal way, like Nazi Germany did during World War II,” the Ukrainian president said in an online briefing, during which he called on Ukrainians to “go out” and “protest against this war”.

Russia-Ukraine war LATEST Updates

Congres attacks govt on evacuation strategy

As Russia launched an offensive against Ukraine, Opposition leaders, mostly from the Congress, on Thursday attacked the government for not making arrangements in time to bring 20,000 Indians in Ukraine back and accused it of “turning away its face” on its nationals in this difficult time.

Some of the Congress leaders also demanded that India should take a firm stand and “unequivocally condemn” Russia’s action.

Attacking the government for not acting despite repeated warnings, the Congress asked why it had not made arrangements in time to bring 20,000 Indians in Ukraine back home safely.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Seventh Russian aircraft downed in Luhansk 

The Ukraine Army claimed that another Russian aircraft was downed over Luhansk Region. This was the seventh Russian plane that has been shot down, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a catastrophe: Boris Johnson

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and said Ukraine was in the thoughts of everyone in the UK “during this dark time”.

Calling it a “catastrophe”, the British prime minister said he would speak to G7 leaders on the Russuian invasion if uKraine. “I will also speak to fellow G7 leaders and I am calling for an urgent meeting of all NATO leaders as soon as possible,” he said.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Macron calls for NATO summit ‘as soon as possible’

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called for a NATO summit “as soon as possible” after Russia launched an attack on its neighbour Ukraine, his  office said.

“The President wishes for a NATO summit to be held as soon as possible, in coordination with our partners and allies,” the presidency said, matching calls from Britain and Poland ahead of a press conference later in the day by NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

PM Modi to meet Sitharaman, govt officials on Ukraine crisis

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other senior government officials on Thursday to discuss the economic impact of Russia-Ukraine crisis.

The impact of rising crude oil prices and ways of migitating it will also be discussed, a government source told news agency Reuters.

Earlier on Thursday, Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a “special military operation”.

#RussiaUkraineWar | PM Modi, FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Cabinet Secretary, And Senior Government Officials To Meet Today On Ukraine Situation. pic.twitter.com/FhsrGvqZoi

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Over 40 Ukraine soldiers, 10 civilians killed so far, say reports

An adviser to Ukraine’s president says about 40 people have been killed so far in the Russian attack on the country, including 10 civilians as per AFP.

Oleksii Arestovich, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that several dozen people have been wounded. 

Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian authorities will hand weapons to all those willing to defend the country. “The future of the Ukrainian people depends on every Ukrainian,” he said, urging all those who can defend the country to come to the Interior Ministry’s assembly facilities.

-AP

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Lithuania to impose emergency following Ukraine invasion: President

EU and NATO member Lithuania said on Thursday it would impose a state of emergency after the Russian army’s air and ground attack on Ukraine. 

Lithuania, a small former Soviet republic of 2.8 million people shares borders with Russia and Belarus. 

“Today I will sign a decree imposing a state of emergency,” Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after a meeting of the national defence council, adding that “Lithuania would request the activation of NATO’s Article 4, which provides for emergency consultations if a member of the alliance is threatened.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Moldova to close airspace over crisis

Moldova will close its airspace on Thursday and divert flights to other airports due to the security situation in the region, the country’s deputy prime minister, Andrei Spinu, said in a Facebook post as per Reuters.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Russian army says Moscow-backed Ukraine rebels advancing

The Russian army said Thursday that Moscow-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine were advancing and had gained territory after the Kremlin launched an attack on the country.

Military spokesman Igor Konashenkov told state television that forces of the Donetsk People’s Republic gained “up to three kilometres” (1.8 miles) in territory and those of the Lugansk People’s Republic “advanced one and a half kilometres.”

He added that Russia had “high precision weapons” and that Ukrainian civilians had “nothing to fear.”

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine breaks diplomatic ties with Russia

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday broke off Kyiv’s diplomatic relations with Moscow in response to Russia’s invasion of its Western-backed neighbour.

“We broke off diplomatic relations with Russia,” Zelensky said in a video message. It marked the first rupture in ties since Russia and Ukraine became independent countries after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine says killed ‘around 50 Russian occupiers’

Ukraine’s military command said Thursday that government forces had killed “around 50 Russian occupiers” while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels.

Firstpost could not immediately independently confirm the death toll.

“Shchastya is under control. 50 Russian occupiers were killed. Another Russian plane was destroyed in the Kramatorsk district. This is the sixth,” the armed forces general staff said on Twitter.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Putin might listen to PM Modi: Ukraine envoy to India

Ukraine Envoy Igor Polikha sought India’s intervention as armed conflict with Russia started this morning. Remarking that the situation may get out of control, Mr Polikha said, “Modi ji is one of the most powerful, respected world leaders. You have a privileged, strategic relation with Russia. If Modiji speaks to Putin we are hopeful he’ll respond”.

“India should be much more actively engaged, given the privileged relation India has with Russia. Not just for our safety, but of your own citizen’s safety too, we need intervention of India,” he said, adding, “We do not want protocol statements, it means nothing. We need support from the whole world”.

#Ukraine envoy to #India Igor Polikha says - We are not the 2014 army that was feeble. The situation has drastically changed. Ukraine is not in panic, it will defend itself. #UkraineRussiaCrisis pic.twitter.com/DWOHEp6wLs

— Maha Siddiqui (@SiddiquiMaha) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

China calls for talks over Ukraine, criticizes US

China repeated calls for talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine on Thursday while refusing to criticize Russia’s attack and accusing the U.S. and its allies of worsening the situation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters at a daily briefing that “the Ukraine issue is complex in its historical background … what we are seeing today is the interplay of complex factors.”

Although China has not endorsed President Vladimir Putin’s recognition of independence of eastern Ukraine’s separatist areas or Putin’s decision to send Russian forces there, Hua said China “called on parties to respect others’ legitimate security concerns.”

“All parties should work for peace instead of escalating the tension or hyping up the possibility of war,” Hua said, repeating the language China has consistently used to criticize the West during the crisis.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Belarus says its army not taking part in Ukraine invasion

Belarus’s leader Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday that his military is not taking part in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as Kyiv said Moscow’s troops were entering the country from Belarusian territory. 

“Our armed forces are not taking part in this operation,” said Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Moscow has stationed tens of thousands of troops in Belarus.

Ukraine’s border guards said Thursday their country was coming under artillery attack along its northern border with Russia and Belarus.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

EU Ambassadors meet to discuss Ukraine invasion

🔴 #Ukraine: EU Ambassadors have just started their emergency meeting.

They will prepare the extraordinary European Council meeting tonight.#EUCO #COREPER II #WeStandWithUkraine 🇪🇺🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/r33MQswRr5

— Sebastian Fischer (@SFischer_EU) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Watch: Ukraine says Russian vehicles have moved across the border from Crimea

Ukraine says Russian vehicles have moved across the border from Crimea.

The video was published by the Ukraine border guard service after Russia announced 'special military operations'.

Follow live updates: https://t.co/RS4MTt9DqA pic.twitter.com/v1JDwVJU98

— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

EU plans ‘harshest’ sanctions package ever against Russia

The European Union is planning the “strongest, the harshest package” of sanctions it has ever considered at an emergency summit Thursday as the Russian military attacked Ukraine and world leaders reacted with outrage at Moscow’s actions, reports AP.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that “the target is the stability in Europe and the whole of the international peace order, and we will hold President (Vladimir) Putin accountable for that.”

“We will present a package of massive and targeted sanctions to European leaders for approval,” she said.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called it the “strongest, the harshest package” ever considered.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine says at least 7 killed, 9 wounded by Russian shelling

At least eight people have been killed and nine were wounded by the Russian shelling, an advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs has said, according to Reuters.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine toll from Russian invasion rises to three: Border guards

The Ukrainian military death toll from the Russian invasion rose to three Thursday, the border guard service said, with confirmed losses suffered along the southern border with Kremlin-annexed Crimea.

The Russian armed forces were trying to invade Ukraine from several directions, using rocket systems and helicopters to attack Ukrainian position in the south, the border guard service said.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Poland calls for emergency NATO consultations

Poland on Thursday asked NATO to activate Article 4, which calls for emergency consultations if a member is threatened, after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine. 

Poland’s ambassador in Brussels, where NATO is based, “submitted a request to the NATO secretary general, together with a group of allies,” Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller said. 

Ukraine is not a NATO member, but the alliance has repeatedly condemned Russia’s aggressions against its neighbour.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

China says ‘closely watching’ Ukraine situation after Russian attack

China on Thursday said it was monitoring the situation in Ukraine and called for “restraint” on all sides after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation on the European neighbour.

“China is closely watching the latest situation, and we call on all parties to maintain restraint and prevent the situation from getting out of control,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Russian ground forces cross into Ukraine: border guards

Russia’s ground forces on Thursday crossed into Ukraine from several directions, Ukraine’s border guard service said, hours after President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a major offensive, reports AFP.

Russian tanks and other heavy equipment crossed the frontier in several northern regions, as well as from the Kremlin-annexed peninsula of Crimea in the south, the agency said.

It said one of its servicemen died in a shelling attack along the Crimean border, the first officially confirmed military death of the Russian invasion

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Emmanuel Macron condemns Russia’s decision to ‘wage war on Ukraine’

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday strongly condemned Russia’s military action against Ukraine, vowing Paris would work with allies to end the war.

“Russia must immediately put an end to its military operations,” Macron wrote on Twitter, saying Russia had made the decision to “wage war” on Ukraine.

“France stands in solidarity with Ukraine. It stands by Ukrainians and is working with its partners and allies to end the war,” he added.

La France est solidaire de l’Ukraine. Elle se tient aux côtés des Ukrainiens et agit avec ses partenaires et alliés pour que cesse la guerre.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Cyberattacks accompany Russian military assault on Ukraine

The websites of Ukraine’s defense, foreign and interior ministries were unreachable or painfully slow to load Thursday morning after a punishing wave of distributed-denial-of-service attacks as Russia struck at its neighbor, explosions shaking the capital of Kyiv and other major cities.

In addition to DDoS attacks on Wednesday, cybersecurity researchers said unidentified attackers had infected hundreds of computers with destructive malware, some in neighboring Latvia and Lithuania.

Asked if the denial-of-service attacks were continuing Thursday morning, senior Ukrainian cyber defense official Victor Zhora did not answer. “Are you serious?" he texted. “There are ballistic missiles here.”

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Russian ruble falls 9% against dollar 

Russian ruble falls 9% against dollar after Ukraine attack, reports AFP.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

One killed, one injured in Kyiv, says report

Russian-backed separatists claimed control of two towns in the Luhansk region of Ukraine while the Ukrainian interior ministry said that one person has been killed and one wounded in Kyiv, according to reports by news agency Reuters.

Earlier, the Russian defence ministry said that Ukraine’s air bases and military infrastructure has been neutralised, according to an IFX news agency report.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Indian embassy in Ukraine puts out advisory for Indian students

The embassy has asked Indian students stuck in Ukraine to leave the country immediately and not wait for official confirmation from their universities

ADVISORY TO INDIAN STUDENTS IN UKRAINE.@MEAIndia @PIB_India @IndianDiplomacy @DDNewslive @PTI_News @IndiainUkraine pic.twitter.com/7pzFndaJpl

— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) February 22, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Pakistan’s Imran Khan ends 2-day visit to Moscow

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan is ending his two-day visit to Moscow hours after Russia began a military operation in Ukraine.

Pakistani government officials have offered few details on the substance of Khan’s visit, which was planned more than a month ago and was expected to focus on Pakistan’s energy needs. It was the first visit to Moscow by a Pakistani leader in more than 20 years.

Khan was to have met with Russian President Vladimir Putin following his arrival on Wednesday, though the foreign ministry has not spoken of it. Khan’s decision to still go ahead with the visit despite a growing fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine surprised some analysts.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine leader says world ‘must compel Russia to peace’

Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that the country’s allies were building a “coalition” against Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged the world to take measures to force Moscow to stop its attack.

“We are building an anti-Putin coalition,” Zelensky wrote on Twitter, after talks with the leaders of the US, EU, Britain, Germany and Poland.

“The world must compel Russia to peace,” he wrote.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

EU to hold Russia ‘accountable’ for Ukraine attack

The European Union will hold Russia “accountable” for its attack on Ukraine and is preparing fresh sanctions that will deal “massive and severe consequences” to Moscow, the bloc’s chiefs said on Thursday.

“We strongly condemn Russia’s unjustified attack on Ukraine,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel each wrote on Twitter.

“In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” the said.

“We will hold the Kremlin accountable.”

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Russian military says its has neutralized Ukraine’s air defense capability

Russia’s defence ministry said Thursday it had neutralised Ukrainian military airbases and its air defence systems, hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military offensive against his country’s neighbour, reports AFP.

“Military infrastructure at Ukrainian army air bases has been rendered out of action,” the defence ministry said in a statement carried by news agencies, which added that Kyiv’s air defence systems were “eliminated”.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Putin made early call to Belarus leader about Ukraine attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart Thursday, informing him that Moscow was launching a military operation on Ukraine, Alexander Lukashenko’s office said.

“Around 5 am (0200 GMT) today there was a telephone conversation between the presidents of Belarus and Russia,” Lukashenko’s office said. “During the call, Vladimir Putin informed his Belarusian colleague about the situation on the border with Ukraine and in Donbas,” 

The Kremlin had no statement on the call.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine shot down 5 Russian planes

Ukraine military says five Russian planes and a Russian helicopter were shot down in Luhansk region as per Reuters report.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Air India plane, bound for Ukraine, returns to Delhi

Air India plane enroute to Kyiv, Ukraine, to bring back Indians turns back mid-way and returns to Delhi after Ukraine closed its airspace for commercial flights, says airline spokesperson.

— PTI

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Flights from southern Russian cities cancelled

Flights from cities in southern Russia near Ukraine were cancelled Thursday after President Vladimir Putin announced his army had begun a military operation in the country.

Flights from 11 airports in southern Russia and one airport in Moscow-annexed Crimea were cancelled, Russia’s main aviation authority Rosaviatsia said in a statement.

These include large cities such as Sochi, Krasnodar and Anapa. It said the restrictions will be in place until 2 March.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine under attack along Russia, Belarus borders: Border guards

Ukraine is coming under artillery attack along its northern border with Russia and Belarus, the border guard service said on Thursday, adding that Ukrainian forces were returning fire.

The statement was issued as a Ukrainian interior ministry official reported the Ukrainian government-held town of Shchastya had fallen to Russian-backed eastern insurgents.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

BREAKING: Belarus troops join Russia in attacking Ukraine, reports CNN

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Russian military operation is ‘a glaring violation’ of international rights: German chancellor

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Thursday described the Russian military operation in Ukraine as “a glaring violation” of international law on a “dark day” for Europe.

“Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms this unscrupulous act by President Putin. Our solidarity goes out to Ukraine and its people,” he added in a statement.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Air raid sirens sound off in Kyiv

Air raid sirens rang out in downtown Kyiv on Thursday as cities across Ukraine were hit with what Ukrainian officials said were Russian missile strikes and artillery. This implys that the capital city is under attack. The sirens were heard in multiple live television reports from Ukraine.

Citizens were headed for underground metro stations to take shelter, AFP correspondents saw, as authorities declared martial law in the face of what they fear is a full-scale invasion

Air raid sirens as refugee convoy hits traffic on outskirts of Kyiv. This is very, very real now. pic.twitter.com/XzPK7BpCqj

— Max Hunder (@Max_Hunder) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Moscow Stock Exchange says trading ‘suspended’

Moscow’s Stock Exchange said Thursday it was “suspending” trading Thursday, hours after President Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of a special military operation in Ukraine. 

“Trading on all markets has been suspended. A resumption will be announced later,” it said in a statement on its website.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduces martial law

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced martial law, saying Russia has targeted Ukraine’s military infrastructure and explosions are heard across the country. Zelenskyy said he had just talked to President Joe Biden and the U.S. was rallying international support for Ukraine. He urged Ukrainians to stay home and not to panic

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

President Zelensky urges Ukrainians not to ‘panic’, vows victory 

President Zelensky says Russia is attacking military installations across the country. Ukraine is launching its own defensive measures. He urges Ukrainians to stay calm and stay home. He says he spoke to President Biden. pic.twitter.com/jt4cLOBHyJ

— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Indian stocks follow spooked global markets, Sensex, Nifty tank over 2.5%

Domestic equity gauges Sensex and Nifty crashed over 2.5 per cent in early morning deals on Thursday following massive selloffs in global share markets after Russia announced military operation in Ukraine, reports PTI

Tracking developments in eastern Europe, the BSE Sensex plunged 1,461.35 or 2.55 per cent to 55,770.71; and the Nifty tanked 430.10 points or 2.52 per cent to 16,633.15.

All Sensex constituents were trading with hefty losses, with Airtel, IndusInd Bank, Tech Mahindra and and SBI suffering the most dropping as much as 8 per cent.

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of starting a military operation in Ukraine sent world markets into a tizzy with shares in Asia plunging into deep red.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Asian stock markets plunge and oil prices soar

Asian stock markets have plunged and oil prices surged after President Vladimir Putin announced Russian military action in Ukraine.

Market benchmarks in Tokyo and Seoul fell 2% and Hong Kong and Sydney lost more than 3% Thursday. Oil prices jumped nearly $3 per barrel on unease about possible disruption of Russian supplies.

Earlier, Wall Street’s benchmark S&P 500 index fell 1.8% to an eight-month low after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked for military assistance.

Investors already were uneasy about the possible impact of the Federal Reserve’s plans to try to cool inflation by withdrawing ultra-low interest rates and other stimulus that boosted share prices.

-AP

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

See | Here’s what the airspace around Kyiv looks like at the moment

The airspace in and around Ukraine right now. pic.twitter.com/RUhmRFFUgZ

— Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

‘Bring your troops back to Russia’: UN Chief tells Putin

Under the present circumstances, I must change my appeal:

President Putin, in the name of humanity, bring your troops back to Russia.

This conflict must stop now.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Explosions heard in Kharkiv

Explosions rang out in the dawn hours Thursday in Kharkiv, a major city just south of the Russian border, after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation.

The city, Ukraine’s second-largest, lies 35 kilometres (20 miles) south of the Russia border and outside the eastern zone where Ukrainian forces have been battling Moscow-backed insurgents since 2014.

Shellings in Kharkiv can be heard and seen in the city center. pic.twitter.com/KShxvlzYoU

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Explosions heard in Odessa

Explosions in Ukraine’s Black Sea port Odessa, reports news agency AFP and Spectator Index. Spectator Index also reported saying that Russian soldiers are in Odessa and that the Kyiv Airport is being evacuated.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Russia ’launched a full-scale invasion’, says Ukraine minister

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Russia’s leader President Vladimir Putin of launching a “full-scale invasion” on Thursday, as explosions were heard in cities around the country. 

“Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes,” Kuleba tweeted.

“This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.”

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine closing airspace to civilian planes, says official

Ukraine is closing its airspace to civilian travel, the infrastructure ministry said Thursday, after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against the country.

The ministry said the airspace was closing “due to the high risk to safety,” halting air travel shortly after midnight (local).

-AFP

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Big break: Sensex slumps over 1,900 points as Russia-Ukraine crisis escalate

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Ukraine’s UN envoy says Russia declared war, Russia denies

Ukraine’s UN envoy says Russia declared war and that it is the responsibility of the U.N. Security Council to stop the war. Russia’s U.N. envoy denied the charge and said it’s not a war but merely a special military drill.

— Reuters

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Joe Biden says ‘world will hold Russia accountable’ over Ukraine attack

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said the “world will hold Russia accountable” over its attack against Ukraine that he warned will cause “catastrophic loss of life”, reports AFP.

In a statement issued shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of military operations in Ukraine, Biden said he would address the US public Thursday to outline the “consequences” for Russia, calling the attack “unprovoked and unjustified.”

The US president was due to join a virtual, closed-doors meeting of G7 leaders — Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States — at 9:00 am (1400 GMT) Thursday. The White House said his remarks to the public would come in early afternoon in Washington.

Statement from President Biden
⁰“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a premeditated war…Russia alone is responsible…” @FOX4 #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/I4JiFkN0Mr

— Steven Dial (@StevenDialFox4) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Hong Kong stocks drop more than three percent on Ukraine crisis

Hong Kong stocks sank in Thursday morning trade as fears grew of a full-scale war in eastern Europe after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ‘military operation’ in Ukraine, reports AFP.

The Hang Seng Index fell 3.16 percent, or 747.33 points, to 22,912.95.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

India calls for immediate de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine

India called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine and cautioned that the situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis, just as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his decision to launch a ‘military operation’ in eastern Ukraine.

The 15-nation UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Ukraine late Wednesday night, the second meeting this week and the fourth since January 31 as tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine.

As the UNSC meeting was underway, during which UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres made a direct appeal to Putin to stop your troops from attacking Ukraine , the Russian leader announced a military operation in eastern Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Oil prices break $100 on Russian ‘military operation’ in Ukraine

Oil prices soared past $100 for the first time in more than seven years on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “military operation” in Ukraine, apparently realising fears he would invade.

Brent surged to $100.04 a barrel after the announcement, as concerns grew about a full-scale conflict in eastern Europe. WTI hit $95.54.

It came after Putin made a surprise statement on television to declare his intentions.

“I have made the decision of a military operation,” he said shortly before 6:00 am (0300 GMT) in Moscow. as he vowed retaliation against anyone who interfered. He also called on the Ukrainian military to lay down its arms.

-AFP

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates

Loud explosions heard in the eastern port city of Mariupol

Explosions were heard before dawn Thursday in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and the eastern port city of Mariupol, shortly after Russia’s President Vladimir Putin announced an operation to “demilitarise” the country.

AFP correspondents in both cities heard powerful blasts and in Mariupol, close to the frontline and the Russian border, residents reported hearing artillery in the city’s eastern suburbs.

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates 

Loud explosions heard in Kyiv city

On Thursday morning, loud explosions were heard in the Ukrainian city of Kyiv, according to multiple reports.

CNN's Matthew Chance in Kyiv: "I just heard a big bang right here behind me." Here's the video of the moment pic.twitter.com/prYeVlDvkn

— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) February 24, 2022

Explosions reported around Kyiv’s airport and heard in the city. It’s 05:30am here.

— Polina Ivanova (@polinaivanovva) February 24, 2022

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates 

Ukraine shuts airports, declares some airspace as ‘danger areas’

Airspace over all of Ukraine has been shut down to civilian air traffic, according to a notice posted to air crews early Thursday.

A commercial flight tracking website shows that an Israeli El Al Boeing 787 from Tel Aviv to Toronto turned abruptly out of Ukrainian airspace before detouring over Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland.

The only other aircraft tracked over Ukraine is a US RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned surveillance plane that began flying westward out of Ukraine after Russia put in place flight restrictions over Ukrainian territory.

Last week, Ukrainian aviation officials warned pilots in the region to be on the lookout for Russian authorities trying to take control of the airspace and to only recognise Ukraine’s controllers.

-AP

Russia-Ukraine crisis LATEST Updates 

Putin announces ‘military operation’ in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.

In a televised address, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine. He added that Russia doesn’t have a goal to occupy Ukraine. Putin said the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian “regime.”

Putin warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.”