Ukraine crisis: Russian air strikes hit military installations across the country today (File)
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, unleashing air strikes and ordering ground troops across the border in fighting that Ukrainian authorities said left dozens of people dead.
The attack triggered Western warnings of unprecedented sanctions against Russia as NATO, EU and G7 leaders condemned the invasion and vowed to hold Moscow accountable.
Weeks of intense diplomacy failed to deter Putin, who amassed over 150,000 troops on Ukraine's borders in what the West said was the biggest military build-up in Europe since World War II.
"I have decided to proceed with a special military operation," Putin said in a surprise statement on television shortly before 6 am.
Shortly afterwards, the first bombardments were heard in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and several other cities.
Russian air strikes hit military installations across the country as ground forces moved in from the north, south and east, forcing many Ukrainians to flee their homes to the sounds of bombing.
Fighting was also seen raging in Chernobyl near the nuclear facility where the 1986 reactor blast leaked radiation, after which Ukraine reported that Russian troops captured the Chernobyl power plant.
Russia's Defence Ministry said its first day of the Ukraine invasion was "successful" hours after announcing it had destroyed 74 above-ground military infrastructure facilities, including 11 aerodromes. Ukrainian police said Russia had carried out 203 attacks since the beginning of the day.
PM Modi spoke to Putin today regarding the crisis and called for an immediate end to violence.
Here are the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis:
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Ukraine's President Says 137 Dead After First Day Of Fighting
President Volodymyr Zelensky said 137 Ukrainians died Thursday after his country came under a large-scale attack from Russian forces."Today we have lost 137 of our heroes, our citizens. Military and civilian," Zelensky said in a video address, adding that another 316 people had been injured.
In Call With Macron, Putin's "Exhaustive Explanation" On Ukraine Invasion
Russian leader Vladimir Putin held a "frank" phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron Thursday, the Kremlin said, after Moscow sent troops to invade its pro-Western neighbour Ukraine.
Some 100,000 displaced in Ukraine, thousands flee abroad, says UNThe UN refugee agency said around 100,000 people had fled their homes in Ukraine and several thousand more had left the country since neighbouring Russia invaded early Thursday.
"We believe that some 100,000 people must have already left their homes and may be displaced inside the country, and several thousand have crossed international borders," UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo told news agency AFP.
Vladimir Putin, France's Macron discuss Russian 'military operation' in Ukraine, says KremlinThe leaders had a "serious and frank exchange of views" about Ukraine and Putin gave an "exhaustive explanation of the reasons and circumstances behind the decision to conduct a special military operation" there, the Kremlin said in a statement.
Ukraine's Army No Match For Russia In Manpower, Weapons, Experience
Ukrainian forces are defending against an invasion on three sides by a Russian military that is bigger, better armed and steeped in recent combat experience from Syria's civil war.
Over 700 Detained At Anti-War Protests Across RussiaRussian police have detained more than 700 people at anti-war protests across dozens of cities after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine, an independent monitor said Thursday.
Around 2,000 people gathered near Pushkin Square in central Moscow, while up to 1,000 people gathered in the former imperial capital Saint Petersburg, according to AFP correspondents at the scene.
The invasion of Ukraine is taking place during an unprecedented crackdown on the Russian opposition, with most protest leaders assassinated, jailed or forced out of the country.
Russian Troops Capture Chernobyl Power PlantThe Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been captured by Russian forces, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Thursday.
"It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians," he said.
"This is one of the most serious threats in Europe today," Podolyak said.
South Ukraine region says 13 civilians, 9 troops killedRussian armoured columns from Crimea pushed deep into the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson on the first day of their invasion Thursday, triggering fighting that left at least 13 civilians dead.
Nine Ukrainian soldiers were also killed, the Kherson regional administration said, as the Russian force seized crossing points from Crimea to the mainland and a crossing over the Dnipro river.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to speak to Foreign ministers of Eastern European countries over Russia's Ukraine invasionAmid Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will speak to Foreign ministers of Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary, said Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla on Thursday.
"External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will speak to Foreign ministers of Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary," said Mr Shringla during a special briefing on the Ukraine situation. He will also speak to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
He further said that number of steps have been taken to deal with the emerging situation in Ukraine.
Highlighting the steps taken by the government for facilitating the return of Indians from Ukraine, he said, "We started the registration of Indian nationals in Ukraine about a month ago. Based on online registration, we found that 20,000 Indian nationals were there."
"4000 Indian nationals have already left Ukraine in the past few days. The MEA control room in Delhi has got 980 calls and 850 emails, he added.
Air India flight to Ukraine returned after "things escalated", will fly back when air-space opens again, says Aviation MinisterCivil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday said an Air India flight which took off from Delhi to bring back Indian citizens from Ukraine has returned mid-air after the "things escalated" there, adding that, flights from India to Ukraine will again fly, once the air-space of the concerned country opens up.
"Flights were flown for Ukraine earlier. Today also flights were flown to Ukraine but after 3 hours when things started escalating those flights came back. Whenever the air-space will open, we'll fly the flights again," said Scindia.
"We have been told that the airspace is complete as notice to airmen (NOTAM) has been issued," he added.
The Union Minister assured that the Indian government is committed to the safety and security of Indians in Ukraine.
"On the matter of Indians in Ukraine, I held a discussion with the Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. We are keeping an eye on the entire situation," he said.
At least 10 students from Karnataka stranded in Ukraine: CM BommaiKarnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said at least ten students of the state are stranded in Ukraine, and the government is working with the Indian Embassy there and Ministry of External Affairs to bring them back home safely.
He said that he will also be speaking to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in this regard.
Later in the day, the state government issued a notification appointing senior IFS officer Manoj Rajan, Commissioner, Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, Revenue Department (Disaster Management), as the Nodal Officer to facilitate safe movement of stranded people/students from Karnataka in Ukraine to their respective destinations, and has set up 24/7 Helpline for this purpose.
"At the time when war broke out between Russia and Ukraine, about hundred Indian students were on their way to the airport in two buses and got stranded, as the flights could not land. More than 10 are from Karnataka, we are gathering information about them," Mr Bommai said.
WHO expresses concern over potential humanitarian catastrophe in UkraineThe World Health Organization expressed concern on Thursday over an expected health emergency in Ukraine after Russian forces invaded the country.
"Amid the conflict rapidly unfolding in Ukraine, the WHO Regional Office for Europe reiterates its deepest concern for the safety, health and wellbeing of all civilians impacted by the crisis in the country and possibly beyond," its regional office for Europe said in a statement, adding any further escalation could result in a humanitarian catastrophe.
"WHO/Europe is working closely with all UN partners in rapidly scaling up readiness to respond to the expected health emergency triggered by the conflict, protecting our staff, and minimizing disruptions to the delivery of critical health care services," it said.
Russia intends to 'decapitate' Ukraine government, says USThe Russian invasion of Ukraine intends to remove the country's government and install new leadership allied to Moscow, a senior US defense official said Thursday.
The Russian military opened its attack with around 100 ballistic missile launches mainly targeting military infrastructure facilities, as well as sorties by 75 heavy and medium bombers, the official said.
The initial phase is focused on key cities and the Pentagon expects the Russians to move on the capital Kyiv, according to the official, speaking on grounds of anonymity.
"They have every intention of basically decapitating the government and installing their own means of governance," the official said.
Can hear blast sound from hostel; long queues at ATMs, shopping malls: Agra students in UkraineAmid the ongoing Russian military operation in Ukraine, students from Agra studying in the Odessa National Medical University of the Eastern European country Thursday appealed to the Indian government to bring them home safely and quickly.
Their family members have also requested for the safe evacuation of their children.
Shekhar Bendol (26), a fourth year MBBS student at Odessa National Medical University, said that due to the "delay in advisory and the cancellation of flights and increase in price of flight tickets I was not able to leave Ukraine earlier".
"Now the situation is very tense, because one can hear bomb blast sound from the hostel," he added.
He said people there are just too worried. "One can spot long queues at ATMs and shopping marts. I would request the Indian government to help us in coming back to India." Rajat Singh (25), who is pursuing MBBS from the same university, was also worried due to the escalating tension.
His parents informed that they are in constant touch with him over video calls.
In phone call, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, UK Foreign Secretary talk UkraineExternal Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and exchanged perspectives on the Ukrainian situation.
"A telephonic discussion with UK Foreign Secretary @trussliz. Exchanged perspectives on the Ukrainian situation," Dr Jaishankar tweeted.
Earlier, Dr Jaishankar also spoke with EU Foreign Policy chief Josep Borrell Fontelles and discussed the grave situation in Ukraine and how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts.
Meanwhile, Indian Embassy on Thursday issued a third travel advisory to Indian nationals/students.
Russian troops breach area near Chernobyl, Ukraine troops fighting to prevent repeat of disaster, says UkraineUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday Kyiv's forces were fighting invading Russian troops for control of the Chernobyl plant, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster.
"Russian occupying forces are trying to take over the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Our soldiers are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 does not happen again," he wrote on Twitter, referring to the date of the disaster.
He called the attack "a declaration of war on all of Europe".
Russian troops from the direction of Belarus entered an area near the former nuclear power plant Chernobyl on Thursday, an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister said, as fighting continued across the country.
The mayor of the capital, Kyiv, said four metro stations would be used as air raid shelters, while the local Ukrainian leadership in the Donetsk region said Russian forces had hit a hospital there, killing four people.
Just In | Indian government teams head to land borders of Ukraine to help evacuate Indians.
Moscow Warns Legal Consequences For Russians Joining Anti-War ProtestsRussian authorities on Thursday warned anti-war sympathisers from gathering for protests, after President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine.
The Investigative Committee, a government body that investigates major crimes, warned Russians of legal repercussions for joining unsanctioned protests related to "the tense foreign political situation".
It said it was responding to social media calls to protest against Putin's decision to attack Ukraine.
"One should be aware of the negative legal consequences of these actions in the form of prosecution up to criminal liability," it said.
PM Modi Will Speak To Russia's Putin Tonight On Ukraine CrisisPrime Minister Narendra Modi is currently meeting key ministers of his cabinet to discuss the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis and ways to mitigate the impact of rising crude oil prices.
He will reportedly speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight.
Ukraine International Airlines suspends flights amid closure of its airspaceUkraine International Airlines (UIA) on Thursday announced the suspension of scheduled and charter flights to/from Ukraine due to the closure of its airspace for civilian airspace users until 23:59 pm (Kiev time).
UIA maintains and will maintain liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine, read Ukraine International Airlines statement.
The statement advised all passengers and citizens of Ukraine who are abroad and planning to return to Ukraine.
They must register on the state website of the State Registration of Ukrainian Citizens. Registered citizens will be provided with information about flights to these points and to points of arrival in Ukraine, added the statement.
Will be 'tightrope walk' for India diplomatically: Ex-diplomats on Russia's Ukraine invasionAdvocating a wait and watch approach for India on the Ukraine conflict, former Indian diplomats on Thursday said New Delhi has to "walk a tightrope" diplomatically as Moscow has been its "steadfast partner" for decades.
Russia launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine on Thursday, triggering serious concerns over the possibility of a full-scale military confrontation between the two countries.
G Parthasarathy, who has been India's envoy in several countries including Pakistan, said it is a "complicated situation" for India and the government will have to take a close call.
"My own hunch is that this will come to a vote in the UN Security Council. It remains to be seen whether we oppose or abstain," he told PTI.
Russia says destroyed over 70 military targets, including 11 airfields, in UkraineRussia said Thursday that its military had destroyed more than 70 military targets including 11 airfields in Ukraine.
"As a result of strikes carried out by the Russian armed forces, 74 Ukrainian military ground facilities were destroyed," said Igor Konashenkov, a defence ministry spokesman, specifying that destroyed facilities included 11 airfields. He said a Ukrainian military helicopter and four drones had also been shot down.
Sanctions to 'dramatically limit' Russian access to EU, US markets: GermanyWestern allies will unleash sanctions that will drastically restrict Russia's access to the European and American markets, Germany's vice chancellor said Thursday, after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The "strong sanctions package" will "cut off the Russian economy from industrial progress, will attack and freeze assets and financial holdings, and will dramatically limit access to the European and American markets," said Robert Habeck.
"This Is Not A Meme": Ukraine Tweets Hitler-Putin Cartoon Amid WarThe war between Russia and Ukraine are being played out, not just in the battlefield but on social media as well. As Russian missile rained from the sky and tanks crossed its border, the official Twitter account of Ukraine posted a caricature which shows Nazi leader Adolf Hitler smiling down on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The cartoon on Ukraine crisis has been posted without any text, but just with the words "official website" stamped on it. Both Putin and Hitler are looking at each other affectionately, with the Nazi leader's hand on Russian President's cheek.
Maharashtra Chief Minister asks officials to coordinate with MEA 'for safe return' of Indians in UkraineAmid ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday expressed concern over the safety of people, who have gone from Maharashtra for industry, education and business.
As per an official statement from Chief Minister's Secretariat, the Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Secretary to coordinate with the Central Government and keep in touch with them.
The Chief Minister has also asked the administration to coordinate with the Centre on priorirty over the safety of students and other people from Maharashtra who are in Ukraine and "bring them back safely to the state."
Mr Thackeray has instructed the administration to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs to see what arrangements are being made for the citizens of Maharashtra.
Biden meets with G7, addresses US on response to RussiaUS President Joe Biden was meeting with G7 allies Thursday to hammer out a raft of new sanctions against Russia after it invaded Ukraine, and will later speak to the American people on a crisis that he warns will cause "catastrophic loss of life."
The virtual, closed-door meeting of G7 leaders -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States -- was set to start at 9:00 am (1400 GMT), with Biden's White House speech scheduled for early afternoon.
For weeks, as Russia built up tens of thousands of troops and heavy weapons on Ukraine's border, Biden has led NATO and other European allies in trying to craft a package of what Washington says are "unprecedented" sanctions as a deterrent.
Russia detains opposition activist who called for anti-war protests in MoscowA Russian opposition activist who called for anti-war protests after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine told Reuters that she had been detained by police on Thursday.
"I was detained on my way out of the house," Marina Litvinovich, the Moscow-based activist, wrote on Telegram. She confirmed her detention separately in a message to Reuters.
Litvinovich called on Russians earlier to gather in protest in various Russian cities on Thursday evening.
Heard 4-5 Blasts, Friends Were Crying: Indian Student Junaid Khan In Ukraine To NDTVOn Thursday morning, Junaid Khan, an Indian student in Ukraine, was buying groceries when he heard a blast. As tension rapidly escalated, he learnt that his flight to India had been cancelled.
"When I spoke to my friends in Kyiv, I could hear four or five blasts. They were in panic and crying," Junaid told NDTV from the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia.
"I really hope that Indians are evacuated. I don't know if you know this but two major cities of Ukraine have been taken over by the Russian army. We are actually scared...patrolling is going on," he said.
The third year medical student was supposed to take a flight to Delhi on Sunday along with a few others. Continue reading here.
Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Need Bomb Shelters? Google Them, Says Indian Embassy In UkraineAs Russia invaded Ukraine, the Indian Embassy at 5 pm issued its third advisory since this morning on guidelines for Indians. "We are aware that certain places are hearing air sirens/bomb warnings. In case you are faced with such a situation, google maps has a list of nearby bomb shelters, many of which are located in underground metros," the embassy said. For those in Kyiv, the official link from Kyiv city administration is here, the embassy said.
There are approximately 18,000 Indians in Ukraine, many of them students. An Air India flight sent for evacuation took off at 7:30 am but had to return after Ukraine closed its airspace for commercial flights.
Macron vows response 'without weakness' to Russia's 'act of war'French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday warned Russia of an uncompromising response to its attack on Ukraine, which he described as a turning point in European history.
"We will respond without weakness to this act of war, with calm, determination and unity," Macron said in an address to the nation, adding that the events were a "turning point in the history of Europe and our country" that would have "deep and lasting consequences for our lives".
Ukraine military plane with 14 aboard crashes near Kyiv, reports news agency AFPA Ukrainian military plane with 14 people aboard crashed south of Kyiv on Thursday, the emergencies service said.
The service said it was "still determining how many people died." The incident occurred about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Kyiv, amid reports of several locations around the city coming under attack.
Russia-Ukraine Crisis: NATO Chief Says No Plans To Send Troops To UkraineNATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that the alliance had no intention to send forces into Ukraine after Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour.
"We don't have NATO troops in Ukraine, and we don't have any plans to send NATO troops into Ukraine," Stoltenberg told a media conference after an emergency meeting of the alliance's ambassadors.
Russian helicopters attack military airport near Kyiv, say Ukrainian officialsRussian helicopters on Thursday attacked Gostomel, a military airport near the capital of Kyiv, and Ukraine downed three of them, Ukrainian officials said.
Ukrainian border officials said that the Russian military was trying to penetrate into Ukraine's Kyiv region and its Zhytomyr region on the Belarusian border and that Russia was using Grad rocket systems.
Russia Acting Like "Nazi Germany": Ukraine President On Moscow's InvasionUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday compared Russia's invasion of his country to military campaigns carried out by Nazi Germany during World War II.
"Russia has attacked Ukraine in a cowardly and suicidal way, like Nazi Germany did during World War II," the Ukrainian president said in an online briefing, during which he called on Ukrainians to "go out" and "protest against this war".
Advisory to all Indian Nationals/Students in UkraineClick here for Kyiv City administration's bomb shelter resources.
Israel condemns Russian invasion as breach of world 'order'Israel condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine Thursday as a "violation of the international order" but underlined its close ties with both Moscow and Kyiv.
"The Russian attack on Ukraine is a serious violation of the international order," Foreign Minister Yair Lapid said, adding that Israel "condemns" the assault.
But Lapid also noted that "Israel has deep, long-lasting and good relations with Russia and with Ukraine," and that "hundreds of thousands of Jews" live in both countries.
"Maintaining their security and safety is at the top of our considerations," Lapid said.
Israel has sought to maintain a diplomatic balance through the deepening crisis.
NATO calls virtual summit on Russian invasion of UkraineNATO will hold a virtual summit Friday on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, diplomats told AFP, as the alliance announced after an emergency meeting that "additional steps" were being taken to protect member countries.
"We have decided, in line with our defensive planning to protect all Allies, to take additional steps to further strengthen deterrence and defence across the Alliance. Our measures are and remain preventive, proportionate and non-escalatory," NATO said in a statement.
A diplomat told AFP that "extra defensive land and air forces are going to be deployed to the alliance's eastern flank, and there will be added naval measures".
The developments were announced after an emergency meeting of ambassadors of NATO's 30 member states hours after Russia carried out air and missile strikes on Ukraine and sent in tanks and soldiers.
Kerala Chief Minister writes to MEA, requests arrangements for Indian students to return from UkraineKerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday wrote a letter to the Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asking him to ensure the safety of Indian students and requested to make necessary arrangements for their return by arranging special flights.
According to the Kerala CM, there are 2,320 students from Kerala in Ukraine. He also urged the MEA to take immediate steps for the repatriation of the students.
Taking to Twitter, CM Vijayan wrote, "Sent a letter to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for immediate intervention to ensure the safety of Indian students in Ukraine of which 2,320 are Malayalees. Demanded that steps be taken to repatriate them as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday slammed the Centre for not making timely arrangements to bring back the Indian students stuck in Ukraine.
18 people killed in Ukraine's Odessa in missile attack, say regional authoritiesRegional authorities of Ukraine's southern Odessa region said on Thursday that 18 people were killed in a missile attack.
At least six people were killed in Ukraine's town of Brovary, located near the capital of Kyiv, authorities from the town said.
Polish hospitals prepare for possible admission of wounded UkrainiansPolish hospitals are preparing beds for a possible admissions of wounded people from Ukraine, the health ministry said on Thursday after Russia invaded Poland's eastern neighbour.
"Poland is preparing to accept migrants from Ukraine, including Ukrainian citizens affected by the armed conflict," the ministry said in an email to Reuters.
"We will do everything to ensure that every person who enters the territory of Poland has access to healthcare, including hospitalisation. Beds are being prepared in hospitals for the admission of the wounded."
Leaving behind possessions and pets, Ukrainians flee to Poland Ukrainians fleeing a Russian invasion have started trickling into Poland, with dozens arriving at the normally quiet Medyka crossing on Thursday, some carrying luggage and accompanied by children.
Officials in European Union countries bordering Ukraine, including Romania and Slovakia, said there was no big influx of refugees for now, but local media and witnesses said foot traffic was increasing.
Alexander Bazhanov fled his home in eastern Ukraine with his wife and young child, taking only what they could carry and walking the final part of their journey into Poland.
The 34-year-old technical manager from Mariupol, 113 km (70 miles) from Donetsk, decided to cross into Poland when he learned the war had started from a colleague.
"I don't have any feelings other than that I am very scared," Bazhanov said at the pedestrian border crossing, about 400 km from Warsaw. "I will visit my father in Spain but I don't have any money and I don't know how I will do that."
Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.
UK summons Russian envoy, says 'severe sanctions' comingBritish Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Thursday summoned Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin to "explain Russia's illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine".
"We will be imposing severe sanctions and rallying countries in support of Ukraine," she added on Twitter.
PM Modi To Hold Meet This Evening On Ukraine CrisisPM Modi will meet Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other officials on Thursday evening to discuss the economic impact of Russia-Ukraine crisis and ways to mitigate the impact of rising crude oil prices, a government source told Reuters.
"We Are All Brothers": Ukrainian And Russian Expats In Cyprus Look On In HorrorUkrainians living alongside fellow expats from "brother" Russia in the Mediterranean seaside town of Limassol in Cyprus looked on in horror Thursday at the Russian assault on their homeland.
"This is the worst-case scenario we could have imagined. They are bombing all regions of Ukraine, attacking all our airports and bases," said Evgeny Staroselskiy, a director of Russian Radio Cyprus based in Limassol.
He said nationals from both countries had awoken in shock to hear of the full-blown conflict unfolding between Ukraine and its giant neighbour.
"A lot of people have family on both sides of the border," said the 60-year-old native of Kharkiv, a mainly Russian-speaking city in eastern Ukraine considered in the "red zone" because of its proximity to the border with Russia.
Boy killed after apartment building shelled in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, reports ReutersA boy was killed in eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region after shelling struck an apartment building, emergency services said on Thursday.
An adviser to Ukraine's presidential office said more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers were dead and dozens wounded.
Indian embassy in Ukraine says special flights for Indian nationals cancelledThe Indian embassy in Ukraine on Thursday told Indian nationals that the schedule for special flights to Kyiv were cancelled as the country's airspace was closed.
"Alternative arrangements are being made for evacuation of Indian nationals," the embassy said on Twitter.
Russian forces fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine and landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation.
Lithuania to impose emergency following Ukraine invasionEU and NATO member Lithuania said on Thursday it would impose a state of emergency after the Russian army's air and ground attack on Ukraine.
"Today I will sign a decree imposing a state of emergency," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said after a meeting of the national defence council, adding that "Lithuania would request the activation of NATO's Article 4, which provides for emergency consultations if a member of the alliance is threatened.
Germany offers 'massive help' to Poland in case of Ukraine refugee influxGermany on Thursday pledged support for its neighbours including Poland in the event of an influx of refugees as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"We are following very closely whether there will be an influx of refugees to our neighbouring countries," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. "We will provide massive help to the affected states -- especially our neighbour Poland -- should there be a large-scale influx."
UK PM to address nation on Ukraine Thursday morningUK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make a televised statement about Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday morning and address parliament in the afternoon, his office said.
Johnson, who summoned his security chiefs for an early morning meeting, had vowed punishing sanctions if the Kremlin ordered its troops across the border.
More than 40 Ukraine soldiers, nearly 10 civilians killed, says UkraineMore than 40 Ukrainian soldiers and around 10 civilians died in the first hours of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Thursday.
"I know that more than 40 have been killed and several dozen wounded. I am aware of nearly 10 civilian losses," presidential administration aide Oleksiy Arestovych told reporters.
Ukraine breaks diplomatic ties with Russia, reports AFPUkrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has called off Kyiv's diplomatic relations with Moscow in response to Russia's invasion.
"We broke off diplomatic relations with Russia," Zelensky said in a video message. It marked the first rupture in ties since Russia and Ukraine became independent countries after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, reports news agency AFP.
Germany Says EU, NATO, G7 To Launch 'Massive Sanctions' Against RussiaGermany on Thursday said the EU, NATO and the G7 would work to hit Russia with severe sanctions after the Kremlin launched an air and ground assault on Ukraine.
"We will launch the full package with the most massive sanctions against Russia and we will strengthen our security and our allies," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said.
China Calls For Restraint In Ukraine, Rejects The Term 'Invasion'China reiterated on Thursday a call for all parties involved in the situation in Ukraine to exercise restraint and rejected a foreign journalist's description of Russia's actions as an invasion.
The comments were made by foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular daily briefing.
Ukraine Says Killed 'Around 50 Russian Occupiers'
Ukraine says killed 'around 50 Russian occupiers', reported news agency AFP.
Belarus Leader Says His Army Not Taking Part In Ukraine InvasionBelarus's leader Alexander Lukashenko said Thursday that his military is not taking part in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, state media reported.
"Our armed forces are not taking part in this operation," Lukashenko, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said. Moscow has stationed tens of thousands of troops in Belarus.
Ukraine President Orders Military To 'Inflict Maximum Losses'The head of the Ukrainian military said Thursday he had received orders from President Volodymyr Zelensky to repel a Russian invasion of his country.
"The supreme commander the Armed Forces of Ukraine gave orders to inflict maximum losses against the aggressor," Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Major General Valeriy Zaluzhny said.
Ukraine Death Count From Russian Invasion Rises To 3: Border GuardsThe Ukrainian military death toll from the Russian invasion rose to three Thursday, the border guard service said, with confirmed losses suffered along the southern border with Kremlin-annexed Crimea.
The Russian armed forces were trying to invade Ukraine from several directions, using rocket systems and helicopters to attack Ukrainian position in the south, the border guard service said.
As Air India Flight Returns, Ukraine Evacuation Options Being Worked OutIndia is looking for alternative routes to evacuate its citizens living in conflict-hit Ukraine after the east European nation closed its airspace following a Russian invasion. An Air India flight going to Ukraine turned back for Delhi this morning. Flight trackers on the internet show no commercial aircraft in Ukrainian airspace as of now.
Sources said high-level meetings are going on at the Ministry of External Affairs, or MEA, to work out contingency plans and find alternate evacuation routes for thousands of Indian citizens living in Ukraine.
Poland Calls For Emergency NATO ConsultationsPoland on Thursday asked NATO to activate Article 4, which calls for emergency consultations if a member is threatened, after Russia launched an attack on Ukraine.
Poland's ambassador in Brussels, where NATO is based, "submitted a request to the NATO secretary general, together with a group of allies," Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller said.
Ukraine is not a NATO member, but the alliance has repeatedly condemned Russia's aggressions against its neighbour.
Ukraine President Calls For European 'Unity' In Call With France's MacronUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday called for European "unity" in a call with French President Emmanuel Macron after his country came under Russian attack, Macron's office said.
Zelensky also called for "many interventions" to aid Ukraine, while Macron assured Ukraine of France's "support and solidarity," it said.
Macron Summons French Defence Council On Ukraine: PresidencyPresident Emmanuel Macron has summoned the French defence council early Thursday in response to Russian attacks on Ukraine, his office said.
The gathering of the council, headed by Macron and featuring a small number of key ministers, is to start at 9:00 am (0800 GMT), the Elysee said.
Russia Faces 'Unprecedented Isolation' Over Ukraine Attack: European UnionRussia faces "unprecedented isolation" over its attack on Ukraine and will be hit with the "harshest sanctions" the EU has ever imposed, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Thursday.
"This is not a question of blocs. This is not a question of diplomatic power games. It's a matter of life and death. It is about the future of our global community," he said in a broadcast statement.
China Says 'Closely Watching' Ukraine Situation After Russian Attack
China says 'closely watching' Ukraine situation after Russian attack, reported news agency AFP.
Ukraine Border Guards Report First Death From Russian Invasion
Ukraine border guards report first death from Russian invasion, reported news agency AFP.
Moscow Says Closing Shipping In Azov Sea Between Ukraine, RussiaRussia on Thursday said it closed shipping in the Azov Sea, which lies between Russia and Ukraine, after President Vladimir Putin launched an attack on Ukraine, agencies reported.
"In connection with the conduct of anti-terrorist activities, shipping in the Azov Sea is suspended from 4.00 am (0100 GMT) on February 24 until further notice," a representative of the Federal Agency for Maritime Transport Rosmorrechflot told Russian agencies.
Macron Condemns Russia's Decision To 'Wage War On Ukraine'French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday strongly condemned Russia's military action against Ukraine, vowing Paris would work with allies to end the war.
"Russia must immediately put an end to its military operations," Macron wrote on Twitter, saying Russia had made the decision to "wage war" on Ukraine.
Russian Ground Forces Cross Into Ukraine: Border Guards
Russian troops have crossed into Ukraine, news agency AFP reported.
Russia Attack On Ukraine Reverberates In Energy-Rich Gulf
Russia's assault on Ukraine is reverberating in the energy-rich Gulf, where top oil and gas producers face economic and political dilemmas in easing sky-high prices and alleviating shortages in Europe.
Australia Announces 'Second Phase' Of Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine Assault
Australia hit Russia with a "second phase" of sanctions on Thursday over its assault on Ukraine, the first salvo in an expected battery of new international measures to punish Moscow.
UK PM To Preside Over Crisis Meeting After Russian Attack On UkraineBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Thursday preside over an emergency meeting to discuss the "horrific" Russian attack on Ukraine, his office said.
"The Prime Minister will chair a COBR at 0730 (local and GMT) to discuss the response to the horrific attacks in Ukraine this morning," a Downing Street spokesperson said.
India Advises Citizens Travelling To Kyiv to "Return To Respective Cities"India's embassy in Ukraine has asked Indian nationals living in the conflict-hit eastern European nation to "maintain calm and remain safe". The advisory comes hours after an Air India flight going to Ukraine turned back for Delhi after the country closed it airspace, following Russian military operations in two breakaway areas.
Flight trackers on the internet show no commercial flights in Ukrainian airspace as of now.
"Dear Indians in Ukraine, the present situation in Ukraine is highly uncertain. Please maintain calm and remain safe wherever you are, be it in your homes, hostels, accommodations or in transit," India's embassy in Ukraine said in the advisory.
Russian Attack 'Shakes Foundation Of International Order': Japan PMRussia's attack on Ukraine "shakes the foundation of the international order", Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday, strongly condemning the military incursion.
"The latest Russian invasion shakes the foundation of the international order, which does not permit unilateral attempts to change the status quo," he told reporters after a meeting of the country's security council.
US, G7 Allies To Hold Russia Accountable After Attack On Ukraine: Joe BidenUS President Joe Biden will meet with his counterparts from the Group of Seven allies early Thursday to map out more severe measures against Russia after President Vladimir Putin launched what Biden called "a premeditated war" against Ukraine.
Biden, who spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy late on Wednesday, said the United States and its allies will respond in "a united and decisive way" to what he called "an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces" on Ukraine.
Italy PM Condemns Russia's Attack As 'Unjustified And Unjustifiable'Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday lashed Russia's attack on Ukraine as "unjustified and unjustifiable," saying Europe and NATO were working on an immediate response.
"The Italian Government condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine. It is unjustified and unjustifiable. Italy is close to the Ukrainian people and institutions in this dramatic moment. We are working with European and NATO allies to respond immediately, with unity and determination," Draghi said in a statement.
Ukraine President Says World 'Must Compel Russia To Peace'Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that the country's allies were building a "coalition" against Russian President Vladimir Putin and urged the world to take measures to force Moscow to stop its attack.
"We are building an anti-Putin coalition," Zelensky wrote on Twitter, after talks with the leaders of the US, EU, Britain, Germany and Poland.
"The world must compel Russia to peace," he wrote.
Ukraine Claims Downed 5 Russian Planes, HelicopterThe Ukrainian military claimed on Thursday to have downed five Russian planes and a helicopter in the east of the country near a rebel-held enclave, reported AFP.
"According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the army general staff said.
Russia Says Destroyed Ukraine Airbases, Air Defences: Reports
Russia Says Destroyed Ukraine Airbases, Air Defences: Reports
Air Raid Sirens Ring Out In Ukraine's Western City Of Lviv: Agency News AFPAir raid sirens rang out Thursday in Ukraine's western city of Lviv, an AFP reporter said, adding that there were no immediate sounds of explosions or other signs of attack.
The city has turned into the temporary base of several Western embassies, including the United States and Britain, which evacuated their diplomats from the capital Kyiv in the days preceding Russia's attack on Ukraine.
Ukraine Under Attack Along Russia, Belarus Borders: Border GuardsUkraine is coming under artillery attack along its northern border with Russia and Belarus, the border guard service said on Thursday, adding that Ukrainian forces were returning fire.
The statement was issued as a Ukrainian interior ministry official reported the Ukrainian government-held town of Shchastya had fallen to Russian-backed eastern insurgents.
Britain's Johnson Says Putin 'Has Chosen A Path Of Bloodshed' In UkraineBritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned on Thursday the "horrific events in Ukraine", saying Russia's President Vladimir Putin "has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack".
"The UK and our allies will respond decisively," he tweeted, adding he had spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
'Straight To Hell': Ukraine, Russia, Spar During Heated UN MeetA visibly emotional Ukrainian ambassador traded barbs with his Russian counterpart during a heated late-night emergency Security Council meeting on the Russia-Ukraine crisis Wednesday.
Sergiy Kyslytsya implored the council, chaired by Russia, to "do everything possible to stop the war" against his country.
"It is the responsibility of these bodies to stop the war," Kyslytsya told the meeting of the 15-member council, which began shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine.
Kyslytsya urged UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia of Russia, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the council, to "call Putin, call (Foreign Minister Sergey) Lavrov to stop (the) aggression."
Can Ukraine Thwart A Russian Invasion? A Comparison Of Troops Ukraine's armed forces are heavily outnumbered and outgunned by Russia's, but as Russia begins what may be a large-scale invasion, military experts say they would be capable of mounting significant resistance and inflicting heavy casualties.
Ukraine's army is also better trained and equipped than in 2014, when Russia captured the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine without a fight, and is widely seen as highly motivated to defend the country's heartland.
Here are some details of Ukraine's military.
Putin Orders Strikes In Ukraine -What He Said In Televised SpeechRussian forces attacked targets across Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered an operation to demilitarize the country, in what Ukraine's foreign minister called a "full-scale invasion."
Putin appealed to Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms and go home in a nationally televised address ahead of the offensive. He said Russia doesn't plan to "occupy" its southern neighbor, but that Russia must "defend itself from those who took Ukraine hostage," accusing the U.S. and its allies of crossing Russia's "red line" by expanding the NATO alliance.