Today marks the third day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of war on Thursday, in the largest attack on a European state since World War II.
On Friday, the Russian Army continued its assault by firing missiles into Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pleaded with the international community to do more, claiming that the sanctions imposed so far were insufficient to deter Russia.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to rise, here’s what you need to know so far:
1. President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted that he had spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and that “arms from our partners” are on their way to Ukraine as Russian forces closed in on Kyiv. “A conversation with @EmmanuelMacron kicked off a fresh day on the diplomatic frontline. Our partners’ weapons and equipment are on their way to Ukraine. The anti-war coalition is gaining traction! “He sent out a tweet.
2. Artillery shells could be heard often in Kyiv, coming from a distance away from the city centre. Russian troops attacked an army base on Kyiv’s major boulevard, but the offensive was repelled, according to the Ukrainian military.
3. Sergii Nykyforov, a spokesman for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claimed on social media that Ukraine and Russia are discussing a meeting location and timing. This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin pushed Ukraine’s military to depose its political leaders and negotiate peace.
4. On Friday, Russia rejected a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, while China, India, and the United Arab Emirates abstained.
5. The White House said that the US would impose sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an uncommon but not unprecedented step. Putin and Lavrov are also facing penalties from the European Union and Canada.
6. The White House has requested $6.4 billion in aid from Congress to handle the humanitarian and security problems.
7. More than 1,000 Russian servicemen have been killed, according to Ukraine. Russia did not provide any information on the number of people who died. According to the UN, 25 civilians were killed, and 102 were injured, figures that are likely to be “much under-estimated.” None of the tolls could be verified independently.
8. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met with US Vice President Joe Biden to discuss sanctions and defense cooperation.
9. Putin had previously stated in a broadcast address, in direct contrast to the overtures: “I’m making another plea to Ukrainian military personnel: don’t let neo-Nazis and (Ukrainian radical nationalists) use your children, wives, and seniors as human shields… It will be easier for us to achieve an agreement if you take control of your own destiny.”
10. According to Moscow, its forces have taken control of the vital Hostomel airport outside Kyiv and have deployed paratroopers in the vicinity.
11. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, warned an assault on the metropolis of 3 million people was already started. “Some neighborhoods are hearing gunshots and explosions. The saboteurs have already made their way inside Kyiv… The enemy wants to bring down the capital and destroy us.” In a Facebook post, Ukraine’s Army claimed victory over a Russian strike on one of Kyiv’s key thoroughfares.
12. The conflict could drive up to 5 million people to flee abroad, UN aid agencies said, adding that at least 100,000 people were uprooted, and fuel, cash, and medical supplies are running low.
Published By – Vanshu Mehra
Edited By – Kritika Kashyap
