Russia’s military has launched a series of rocket attacks on Ukrainian cities after President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation in eastern Ukraine.
Hours after Putin’s speech on state television, explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and shots were fired near the airport, according to the state news agency. Interfax, and warnings of attacks were heard in the city.
“Putin has now launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and safe cities in Ukraine are under attack,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter.
Russia’s military says it has bombed Ukrainian air bases and other military bases, but has not targeted civilian areas, and a statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry says the military has used non-lethal weapons. .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the United States and its NATO allies of ignoring Russia’s demands to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and guaranteeing Russia’s security.
“Anyone who tries to disrupt us, let alone endanger our country and our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead to consequences we have never seen in history,” Putin said.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine comes as tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent weeks, eventually leading to the start of Russia-Ukraine war today.
Jamal Ali Abdi, Hiiraan Online
jamaal@hiiraan.com
