Tensions in Europe peaked this morning (Thursday) after President Putin overnight ordered Russia to launch a military operation against Ukraine in the eastern Ukrainian Donbas region aimed at disarmament.
Shortly after 05:00, first explosions were heard in the capital, Kiev, and reports of attacks in other places were published.
Earlier, Russia began moving its forces toward separatist provinces in Ukraine, and the West in response imposed sanctions on various bodies in President Vladimir Putin's regime.
"Israel Today" with regular updates this morning from the tense sector.
06:20:
Ukraine declares military rule in the country following the launch of the Russian offensive.
At the same time, reports of a paid attack by Russia continue.
Missiles, air forces and ground entry of Russian soldiers from Belarus and the Crimea.
06:03:
Ukrainian Foreign Minister confirms that offensive has begun: "Putin has launched a full invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian cities are peaceful under hope. This is an attack of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and win. The world can and must stop Putin - the time to act is now."
Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes.
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.
- Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 24, 2022
05:58:
Explosions in the Luhansk region, missiles launched from the territories held by separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Valery, a reservist in the Ukrainian army and a resident of Luhansk to the Israel Today envoy: "We did not ask for this day, but we do not have the right to surrender, we will fight to the end."
05:55:
The various reports continue that indicate a Russian attack on several fronts across Ukraine.
BREAKING: Massive explosions hit the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol pic.twitter.com/6q9rtel9pF
- BNO News (@BNONews) February 24, 2022
5:35 a.m .:
President Biden issued an official statement following Putin's speech referring to the declaration of a military operation against Ukraine: "President Putin has chosen a planned war that will result in catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. The world will hold Russia responsible."
The prayers of the 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 that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.
https://t.co/Q7eUJ0CG3k
- President Biden (@POTUS) February 24, 2022
05:23:
A senior NATO official tells Reuters: "Russian invasion appears to have begun"
05:12:
Various reports from around the world indicate that the Russian attack on Ukraine has officially begun.
There have been reports of explosions in the capital, Kiev, Kharkov, and other parts of the country.
Fox News reported that Russian forces were entering Ukraine through the Crimean peninsula.
MAP: Some of the Russian attacks being reported across Ukraine pic.twitter.com/zu5HEby5Lj
- BNO News (@BNONews) February 24, 2022
04:50:
Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, referring to security tensions with Ukraine: "We have decided to launch a special military operation aimed at dismantling Ukraine."
During his remarks, Putin called on Ukrainian military personnel to lay down their arms and go home, adding that he has no plans to occupy Ukraine.
04:35:
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the UN Security Council: "President Putin, stop your troops and do not attack Ukraine.
Give peace a chance, too many people have already been killed. "
04:30:
The UN Security Council convened in an emergency format to discuss the state of events on the Russian-Ukrainian border, amid growing fears of a Russian invasion of its neighbor in the West.
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