PESHAWAR: Explosions are being heard in various parts of Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement of military operation in support of separatists in Donbas region.
According to BBC Kyiv, Donbas region, Odessa and Mariupol in eastern Ukraine also resounded with explosions after the announcement. Missile attacks have also been carried out on military command centers in Kiev and Kharkiv, while the Russian army has entered the Mariupol and Odessa regions.
Speaking on television, the Russian president announced the military operation in Donbass and said that Russia would respond if there was any foreign intervention. President Putin has ordered the surrender of Ukrainian troops, saying that Ukrainian troops should return to their homes. The Russian president also warned that Ukraine would be responsible for any bloodshed in the region.
According to the foreign news agency, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations has informed the Security Council about the Russian attack on eastern Ukraine, claiming that Russia’s operation was valid under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Ukraine’s foreign minister has said in a statement that Russia has launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine, and that peaceful Ukrainian cities are under attack. He urged said that it is the responsibility of the Security Council to prevent Russia from sabotaging peace.
Ukraine has closed its airspace indefinitely since the Russian invasion, while global oil prices have exceeded 4100 a barrel, stock markets have and gold prices have plummeted. US President Joe Biden has strongly condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, saying that Russia’s attack on Ukraine will cause catastrophic human casualties.
President Joe Biden added that the world would hold Russia accountable for the attack on Ukraine, and that he would address the nation today on the consequences of the Russian attack on Ukraine.
The US president says the United States and its allies will respond in a united and decisive manner, contacting NATO for a strong, united response to Russian actions.
On the other hand, UN Secretary General António Guterres said that if Russian President Putin should give peace a change and thousands of people have already died in the war. He urged Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine in the name of humanity.
Earlier, the United States had warned that Russia could launch a major attack on Ukraine within 48 hours.