Russia launched a major military assault on Ukraine by land, sea and air, with strikes reported near cities and bases.
President Putin claims it is to "demilitarize" but not occupy Ukraine:
▪️ Airstrikes reported in residential areas
▪️ At least 24 people killed, authorities say
Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine is believed to be the biggest by one state against another in Europe since WWII.
▪️ At least 68 killed including civilians and soldiers, say Ukrainian officials
▪️ Kyiv's main airport reportedly bombed
▪️ Thousands fleeing Kyiv
Thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing to Poland, some by foot, after Russian attacks near cities including Kyiv.
Russian missiles have hit residential areas in cities like Chuguiv, killing civilians. The UN refugee agency has warned of "devastating" consequences on civilians.
Russia warned citizens against "unsanctioned" protests over its attacks on Ukraine and detained at least 1 anti-war activist in Moscow.
President Putin denies plans to occupy Ukraine, but has recognized 2 regions as independent and claimed Ukraine is "historically Russian land."
Russia claims it has destroyed 74 military facilities in Ukraine after launching a major military offensive by land, sea and air.
Ukraine reports 200+ attacks, with residential buildings shelled and dozens killed. Some civilians in Chuhuiv say homes are "completely destroyed."
Russia justified attacks in Ukraine claiming they would protect Russian citizens from "genocide."
Prior to attacks, it fast-tracked passports to 720,000 people in east Ukraine and has backed pro-Russian separatists in Luhansk and Donetsk since it annexed the Crimea in 2014.
Poland says it is opening refugee centers on its border with Ukraine, after 15,000 people crossed in the last 24 hours fleeing Russian military attacks.
Over 200 attacks have been reported, including areas far from separatist-held eastern regions, and explosions heard in Kyiv.
Russian forces are fighting for control of the decommissioned Chernobyl plant — the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster — says Ukraine's president, warning of "another ecological disaster."
Other updates:
▪️ Ukraine airspace closed
▪️ At least 10 civilians reported killed
Ukraine's capital Kyiv declared a curfew amid ongoing attacks by Russian forces. Explosions were heard around the city, with thousands fleeing: "We’re afraid of bombardments."
▪️ Metro stations to serve as bomb shelters
▪️ Martial law across country
▪️ Ports, airspace closed
Police are detaining anti-war protesters in Moscow, after Russia launched a major military offensive in Ukraine.
Protests reportedly broke out in several cities, with police "arresting everyone." Authorities warned of criminal prosecution against protesters for "public order."
UPDATE: Russian police have arrested at least 167 people across the country protesting against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to an independent human rights monitor.
Reporters say dozens were arrested in Moscow and at least 20 others were detained in St. Petersburg.
Russia launched a massive offensive against Ukraine, with over 200 attacks reported across the country.
This is how tensions between Russia and NATO have led to the current crisis in Ukraine.
Ukrainians and supporters are protesting across the globe against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. One protester from the separatist region of Donetsk called President Putin a "war criminal."
Turkey
Germany
Greece
Lebanon
Russian police have now arrested over 735 people protesting its invasion of Ukraine, say monitors, about half in Moscow. There have been protests in 40 Russian cities.
Russia's offensive has killed at least 68 people, including 13 civilians and 2 children, say Ukraine officials.
UPDATE: Russian forces captured the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine — site of the 1986 nuclear disaster — say officials.
Russia attacked its smaller neighbor from three sides, with at least 68 people reported killed, thousands fleeing and many sheltering in metro stations.
"We are going into hiding."
At least 26 people were wounded by Russian shelling in Mariupol — a strategic Ukrainian port city 6 miles from separatist-held areas.
Russia says it backs rebels claims in Donetsk, including the city, despite most of it being controlled by Ukraine.
Almost 1,400 people in Russia have been arrested for protesting against its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia recently passed laws punishing unsanctioned protests with up to 15 days in jail. But thousands have joined demonstrations in Moscow, St. Petersburg and almost 50 other cities.
Thousands of Ukrainians fled to Hungary, Slovakia and Poland amid Russia’s invasion — many by foot:
"Half of my family is left over there."
Some have waited up to 12 hours at borders, including families who got separated. One woman said: "I don't know how to get my child out."
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced about 100,000 people to flee their homes, says the UN. Some fled to other countries by foot.
Russian airstrikes and shelling killed 60+ people including at least 2 children, say officials. The Red Cross warns of "massive casualty numbers."
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