Ukraine: Kazakhstan Evacuating Citizens As Putin’s Invasion Commences

Kazakhstan has started evacuating its citizens after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine.

Putin's 'special military operation' has already sparked deadly warfare: people all across Ukraine have been advised to stay at home as air ride sirens blare across Kyiv and explosions rock multiple cities; Ukraine's military infrastructure has been hit by Russian forces; and five Russian planes and a helicopter have reportedly been shot down.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen slammed Putin for 'bringing war back to Europe', with world leaders vowing to respond 'decisively' to Russia's invasion. Local reports say Ukraine is being attack from every direction.

The Kazakhstan Embassy in Ukraine has began providing evacuation assistance to Kazakh citizens living in Ukraine, according to the Kazakh MFA’s press service. Kazakh nationals have been advised to contact the Kazakh Embassy located in Kyiv, or contact the offices of the honorary consuls of Kazakhstan in the cities of Kharkov, Lvov, Odessa and Dnepr.

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry has also launched an emergency helpline for the citizens of Kazakhstan on +7 (7172) 72-06-06.

Explosions were heard in multiple cities within minutes of Putin's televised address this morning. 'To anyone who would consider interfering from the outside: if you do, you will face consequences greater than any you have faced in history. All relevant decisions have been taken. I hope you hear me,' the Russian president warned.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country will 'win', and has declared martial law across Ukraine. 'The US have already started uniting international support. Today each of you should keep calm. Stay at home if you can. We are working. The army is working. The whole sector of defence and security is working,' he said.

'No panic. We are strong. We are ready for everything. We will win over everybody because we are Ukraine.'

Sara Cincurova, reporting for Al Jazeera in Ukraine, shared the reaction among everyday people when news of the invasion broke. 'Everybody was panicking... there was an old man asking what was going on and the train attendant told him the war has just begun,' she said.

'There was another passenger, an old lady whose son is in the army, who started crying. Other people were wishing each other good luck... and there was a big discussion about whether we should all get off in the next village. Some people decided to head east to meet with their families, but others got off.'

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