Russia attacks Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine early on Thursday as Russian forces carried out missile attacks across Ukraine, well beyond the separatist regions he claims to defend, prompting the U.S. and the international community to issue condemnations along with promises of harsh new sanctions (CNN and The Wall Street Journal).
Before dawn on Thursday, Putin declared that Russia had begun a “special military operation” that he said was in defense of separatist regions, with the aim of the “demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine.” He called on Ukrainians to lay down their weapons (The Hill) and issued a threat: “Anyone who tries to interfere with us, or even more so, to create threats for our country and our people, must know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to such consequences as you have never before experienced in your history. We are ready for any turn of events.”
Russia launched missile attacks and blasts were heard in Kyiv, the capital; in Kharkiv, the second largest city; in Kramatorsk in the region of Donetsk, one of two eastern Ukrainian territories claimed by Russia-backed separatists since 2014; in Odessa and at a military base in Mariupol (pictured above), aimed at crippling Ukrainian defenses (The New York Times). Casualties are reported.
The attacks were described by international reporters on live television and radio and by stunned Ukrainians on social media (The Associated Press). The Ukrainian Interior Ministry told journalists that Russian troops landed in Odessa and crossed the border in Kharkiv as the missile bombardments began.
CNN: Here’s what we know about how Russia’s invasion unfolded.
The reaction from across the globe was swift. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cut all ties with Moscow and within a short time issued martial law across the nation, urging Ukrainians to defend their country.
“We are working. The army is working,” Zelensky said in a video message. “Don’t panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will defeat everyone. Because we are Ukraine” (Financial Times).
The Ukrainian president added this morning that weapons will be handed out to all in the country who are capable of defending the homeland (Fox News).
President Biden, calling Russia’s attack “unprovoked” and “premeditated,” issued a written statement as the attacks began, vowing to hold Russia “accountable” in solidarity with a global alliance. Biden, who has said the U.S. will support NATO in Eastern Europe militarily and has joined European nations in sending weapons and assistance to Ukraine, will deliver an address at noon (The Hill). The U.S., along with European and Asian nations, will announce escalating economic and trade sanctions against Russia after failing to stave off a full-scale war that could alter the landscape of a post-Cold War Europe (CNN).
“The United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way,” Biden said. “The world will hold Russia accountable.”
The New York Times: The EU is planning tougher sanctions on Russia, but is also aiming to protect its own interests.
The Associated Press: Russia-Ukraine: What to know as Russia attacks Ukraine.
