inVladimir Putin continues to move pieces in a very dangerous chess game that puts the lives of Ukrainians in mortal danger. In what appeared to be a previously recorded speech on Russian state television, the Russian president announced that his country intended to launch a special military operation to demilitarize the territory. He also stated that the Ukrainian government supports the Nazis and has a clear goal to eliminate all Nazi sympathizers. While Putin said Russia has no plans to occupy Ukraine, he called on all soldiers to lay down their arms and go home if they don’t want to suffer the consequences. Putin also issued a stern warning to all outside countries not to interfere in his decision, otherwise it could escalate into an even bigger conflict.
Just hours before this speech, Vladimir Putin also issued a series of NOTAMs, or Notices to Air Missions in Northeast Ukraine, as a warning to civilian aircraft in the area. These warnings are distributed through Kiev, Lvov, Dnipro and Odessa. Russia’s plan is to warn all civilians against possible lethal harm to all. Any flight that enters this airspace will do so at their own risk, as Russia now has complete control over it. After this statement, the pogrom just started in the center of Kiev. It was only a matter of time before Russia started hostilities, and that is exactly what happened. Check here for updates.
19:20 PT – Russia drops first bombs in central Kiev.
At about 7:20 pm PST, Vladimir Putin ordered the first major strikes, which were heard throughout the major city of Kiev. This CNN reporter was close to the first blows he heard.
They are leading Joe Biden’s response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
As a concise response to this attack on Ukraine, here is President Joe Biden’s full statement, directly from the White House Press Office: “Tonight, the entire world prays with the people of Ukraine as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by the Russian military. President Putin has chosen a deliberate war that will bring catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Only Russia is responsible for the death and destruction that this attack will bring, and the United States and its allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will call Russia to account.”
“I will be monitoring the situation from the White House tonight and will continue to receive regular updates from my homeland security team. Tomorrow morning, I will meet with my G7 colleagues and then speak with the American people to announce further implications. The United States, our allies and partners will sanction Russia for this unnecessary act of aggression against Ukraine and global peace and security. We will also coordinate with our NATO allies to ensure a strong, cooperative response that deters any aggression against the Alliance. Tonight, Jill and I pray for the brave and proud people of Ukraine.”
Ukraine and NATO have confirmed the Russian invasion.
After the explosions began, both Ukraine and NATO publicly confirmed that the Russian government had begun dropping rockets in central Kiev. State Secretary of Ukraine Anthony Blinken called this move by Russia “a clear attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.” The Lugansk and Donetsk regions are currently under siege by the Russian government.
A closer look at the Russian missile strike in Kiev.
Here’s a closer look at multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) taking off between the borders of Russia and Ukraine. The sound is sinister.
Russia is also attacking Kharkov.
After Kiev, the Russian government also dropped rockets on the city of Kharkov about half an hour after the initial attack began.