Hundreds of lives have been lost in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with missile attacks the likes of which haven't been seen since the Second World War.
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine yesterday, confirming many leaders' fears after he deployed 'peacekeeping' troops to the rebel-held, so-called republics. The ensuing conflict has seen 137 Ukrainian citizens — both soldiers and civilians — killed, and around 100,000 people trying to flee Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has since signed a decree ordering a general mobilisation, urging all citizens who are able to defend their homeland alongside country's conscripts and reservists. All Ukrainian men between the ages of 18-60 have been banned from leaving the country, 'guaranteeing Ukraine's defence and the organisation of timely mobilisation'. The decree will be in effect for 90 days.
Harrowing footage emerged from the early hours of warfare yesterday, February 24, with shelling rocking the capital and other cities like Mariupol, Odessa and Kharkiv. Kyiv has been a primary target, reports say, having been hit by multiple 'horrific rocket strikes', leaving buildings destroyed and downed planes in its streets. The US fears Kyiv may 'well be under siege', with ground force estimated to be just 20 miles away.
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Echoing the Second World War, air raid sirens have been blaring in Kyiv in the early hours today. 'Woken up by the air raid sirens here in Kyiv. Mayor’s office say today it’s not a test. When they stop, the city is eerily quiet,' Sky News' Nick Stylianou tweeted.
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemned Russia's use of missile strikes in its attacks, tweeting, 'Horrific Russian rocket strikes on Kyiv. Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany. Ukraine defeated that evil and will defeat this one. Stop Putin. Isolate Russia. Severe all ties. Kick Russia out of everywhere.'
He's been backed by the UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who tweeted, 'Solidarity with @DmytroKuleba and the Ukrainian people. Putin’s assault on Ukraine is barbaric, unjustified and shows a callous disregard for human life. We will continue to hold Putin to account and remain steadfast in our support. #StandwithUkraine.'
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In a video address, Zelensky said, 'The enemy has listed me as target number one, and my family as target number two. They want to destroy the country politically, terminating the head of state... we must talk about the end of this invasion. We must talk about ceasefire. But right now, our country's fate depends fully on our military.'
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Topics: Russia, Ukraine, World News
Cameron Frew