Putin announced the beginning of a military operation in the Donbass

On the night of February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a television of citizens in which he announced the beginning of a military operation in the Donbass. Martial law has been declared in Ukraine.

Residents of Kramatorsk, Lugansk, Kharkov and other cities of Ukraine from five in the morning began to report the sounds of explosions and artillery fire. According to media reports, Russian troops strike warehouses. It is also reported on the beginning of the landing operation by the forces of the Black Sea Fleet in the Sea of Azov and Odessa. The sky over Ukraine is closed to civil aviation.

CNN correspondent stated with reference to a source in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine that explosions near Kiev were missile strikes, writes UNIAN. The Russian Ministry of Defense replied that they “do not strike” cities, but “disable military infrastructure, air defense facilities, military airfields and aircraft of the Ukrainian army.”

The border service of Ukraine claims that the Armed Forces of Belarus are supported by the Russian army.

The mayor of Kyiv Vitaly Klitschko turned to the townspeople:

"Ukraine is attacked by an aggressor. The roar of shells is also heard in Kyiv. The worst enemy is now a panic. We do not lose excerpts. Everyone who is not involved in the work of critical infrastructure and life support, stay at home. Keep the" alarming suitcase ". Documents, the necessary minimum of things. To quickly, if necessary, get to shelter or vault. The city authorities. The city authorities. - In the capital, we continue to ensure the work of the city. "

"At about 5.00, the state border of Ukraine in the area with the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus was attacked by Russian troops with the support of Belarus."

All flights from Rostov-on-Don Airport are canceled. One of the airports of Kyiv, Zhulyany, also announced the abolition of flights.

In New York, an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council began on the convocation of which was announced several hours ago at the request of Ukraine. Representatives of NATO countries will also hold an emergency meeting.

US President Joe Biden condemned the actions of Russia in the Donbass and promised that "the world would call Russia to answer."

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Putin “chose the path of bloodshed and destruction” and promised the decisive response of the UK and allies. The sanctions of the European Union due to the recognition of Russia "DPR" and "LPR" entered into force. In particular, the head of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation Sergey Shoigu, the official representative of the Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, the leader of Russia-1 Vladimir Solovyov, the head of RT Margarita Simonyan, fell under the sanctions of the European Union.

The ruble and the Russian stock market fell sharply. The dollar exchange rate grew to 84 rubles, the euro - to 95 rubles. Trading on the Muscovite is completely stopped.

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky announced the introduction of martial law throughout Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader called his citizens to calm. Powerful explosions thundered about 5:00 in several cities of Ukraine.

Updated