Russia has initiated an unprecedented full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launching military assaults by air and ground on several key Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. Explosions have also been reported in Odessa, Kharkiv, and Mariupol, with Russian forces having breached the Kyiv region.
The offensive, which began early Thursday local time, was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “special military operation” aimed at the “demilitarization” of Ukraine.
Putin claimed Russia does not plan to occupy Ukrainian territories or “impose anything on anyone by force.” However, officials confirmed that the assault had already killed dozens of soldiers and several civilians by Thursday afternoon.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for an “immediate end to Putin’s war against the world”. He announced efforts to build an “anti-Putin coalition” and demanded immediate sanctions on Russia, along with defense and financial support to force Russia to pursue peace.
The Kremlin later stated that the duration of the military operation would be determined by its “progress and aims.”
