Vladimir Putin continues to move his pieces in a chess game that is putting Ukrainian lives at jeopardy. The Russian president said on Russian state television, in what appears to be a pre-recorded statement, that his country is planning a special military operation to demilitarize the area. He also claimed that the Ukrainian government has been backing Nazis, and that his goal is to eliminate all nazi supporters.
Despite the fact that Putin stated that Russia has no plans to conquer Ukraine, he did urge on all soldiers to lay down their guns and return home if they do not want to face the repercussions. Putin also issued a strong warning to all other countries not to interfere with his decision, saying that doing so could lead to a worsening of the situation.
Vladimir Putin issued a series of NOTAMs, or Notices to Air Missions, in northeastern Ukraine just hours before his address as a warning to civilian planes in the area. Warnings have been issued for Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Russia’s aim is to issue a warning to the entire civilian population about the possibility of deadly harm to all of them.
Any flight that enters this airspace does so at their own peril, as Russia now has complete authority over it. The chaos in central Kyiv has barely begun as a result of this announcement. It was just a matter of time until Russia retaliated with military force, and that is exactly what they did. Here’s where you can keep up with the latest news.
The first bombs are dropped in central Kyiv by Russia
Vladimir Putin authorized the first significant strikes about 19:20 Pacific Standard Time, which were audible throughout Kyiv. This CNN correspondent was within earshot of the first bangs.
Biden’s reaction to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine
Here is President Joe Biden’s complete statement, direct from the White House press corps, in response to the attack on Ukraine: “The people of Ukraine are in the thoughts and prayers of the whole world tonight as they face an unprovoked and unjustifiable attack by Russian military forces. President Putin has chosen a deliberate war that will result in massive human suffering and loss of life. The United States and its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive manner to the death and damage that this attack will bring. Russia will be held accountable by the rest of the world.”
“I will be monitoring the situation from the White House this evening and will continue to get regular updates from my national security team. Tomorrow, I will meet with my G7 counterparts in the morning and then speak to the American people to announce the further consequences the United States and our Allies and partners will impose on Russia for this needless act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security. We will also coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine.”
Russia’s invasion has been confirmed by Ukraine and NATO
Both Ukraine and NATO stated officially after the blasts that the Russian government had begun dropping missiles in central Kyiv. Russia’s decision, according to Ukraine’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is a “clear attack on the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The Russian government is currently sieging the areas of Luhansk and Donetsk.
