Amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine that he claimed was aimed at protecting civilians in the eastern region.
A tank drive with a tank in the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk, Ukraine February 22, 2022 | photo credit: Reuters
Amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine that he claimed was aimed at protecting civilians in the eastern region.
Russian troops launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin shrugged off international condemnation and sanctions, warning other countries that any attempt to intervene will have “results you’ve never seen”.
Russia has been strongly criticized by many countries around the world including America, European Union.
Large explosions were heard in Ukraine’s Kiev, Kharkiv and Odessa before dawn. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has introduced martial law, saying Russia has targeted Ukraine’s military infrastructure and explosions are heard across the country. US pledges new sanctions to punish Russia for acts of aggression. In a televised address, Mr Putin justified his action, saying the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine.
He accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offering Moscow security guarantees. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba described the action as a “full-scale invasion of Ukraine” and a “war of aggression”, adding that “Ukraine will defend itself and win. The world can and must stop Mr. Putin. Now.” The time has come for action.” The Russian military says it has attacked Ukraine’s airports and other military assets and has not targeted populated areas.
The Russian Defense Ministry statement said the military is using precision weapons to target Ukrainian air bases, air defense assets and other military infrastructure. It claimed that “there is no danger to the civilian population.” Asian stock markets fell and oil prices rose after the military crackdown began.
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 had sought military aid. At an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council convened by Ukraine due to the imminent threat of a Russian invasion, members still unaware of Putin’s announcement appealed to them to halt the attack. India calls for immediate de-escalation. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, TS Trimurthy, says, “…the situation is in danger of escalating into a major crisis. If not handled carefully, it can undermine security. care should be taken.”
US President Joe Biden will meet with his counterparts from the Group of Seven allies early Thursday to outline more serious measures against Russia after President Vladimir Putin launched “a pre-planned war” against Ukraine.
Australia imposed “second phase” sanctions on Russia on Thursday over its attack on Ukraine, the first salvo in an expected battery of new international measures to punish Moscow.
An Air India spokesperson said that the Air India plane returns mid-way on its way to Kiev, Ukraine to bring back the Indians and returns to Delhi after closing Ukrainian airspace for commercial flights.
The embassy has asked Indian students stranded in Ukraine to leave the country immediately and not wait for official confirmation from their universities. At least eight people have been killed and nine wounded by Russian shelling, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior affairs minister said as Russia launched massive air and ground strikes on the neighboring country.
