Ukraine's defence ministry has called on citizens to use Molotov cocktails against Russian forces as the country enters its second day of war.
Day two of Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'special military operation' in Kyiv is off to a frightening start: Russian troops have seized Chernobyl and will receive assistance from paratroopers at the nuclear plant; other troops have reportedly entered northern districts of the country's capital; and the deaths are in the hundreds, with 137 Ukrainians and 450 Russians lost.
In the early hours of the conflict, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky urged people to donate blood for wounded soldiers and join Ukraine's defences if they're willing and able. As the chaos ensues across the country, with cities rocked by shelling and children killed among the casualties, a broader call to action has been issued.
A tweet from Ukraine's defence ministry seemed to confirm Russian troops have reached Obolon, a suburb in the north of Kyiv.
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'In Obolon, the enemy DRG. We ask citizens to inform about the movement of equipment! Make Molotov cocktails, neutralize the occupier! Peaceful residents — be careful! Do not leave the house!' it tweeted.
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. While all Ukrainian men between the ages of 18-60 were been banned from leaving the country, 'guaranteeing Ukraine's defence and the organisation of timely mobilisation', there's now no age restriction to fight.
'Today Ukraine needs everything. All procedures for joining TPO are simplified. Carry only your passport and identification code. There are no age restrictions. If you have problems on the ground, please refer to this official statement,' the defence ministry also tweeted.
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'Dozens of experienced military pilots from the captain to the general, who had previously been discharged from the reserve, are returning to the Air Force of the Armed Forces. Who knows, maybe one of them is the air avenger on the MiG-29, which is so often seen by Kyivites! Everything will be Ukraine!' it added.
More than 100,000 people have tried to flee Kyiv amid the conflict. While everyday people are being asked to fight, Zelensky said he's been made 'target number one, and my family as target number two. They want to destroy the country politically, terminating the head of state'.
However, an adviser to the president said Ukraine is still open to peace talks, even regarding the possibility of the country having 'neutral status', as per Sky News.
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Topics: Russia, Ukraine, World News
Cameron Frew