In a “full-scale” escalation of conflict with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin-ordered troops took control of the Chernobyl nuclear site and attacked the country from three directions, with only the west remaining.
Ukrainian forces had waged a fierce battle with Russian troops, Bloomberg reported citing a presidential adviser.
Russia's "military operation" across Ukraine has sparked one of the biggest security crises in Europe since World War II, prompting imposition of stricter sanctions in response. That pushed up the prices of commodities from crude oil to gold.
Click here to read all the developments that took place on day 1 of Russia's attacks.
Putin Urges Ukrainian Military To Take Power
Here's what we know so far (10 p.m. IST update):
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the military service members in Ukraine to take power in their country, Interfax reported.
The radiation levels have increased in the Chernobyl exclusion zone, AFP reported citing Ukrainian authorities, who warned the seizure of the nuclear plant by invading Russian troops could have "terrible consequences".
More than 50,000 Ukrainians have fled the country in 48 hours, AFP reported citing UN.
The International Olympic Committee has urged all international sports federations to cancel events in Russia or Belarus.
The Council of Europe has suspended Russia from the continent's human rights organisation because of its invasion of Ukraine, The Associated Press reported.
#Ukraine
February 25, 2022
"We have reports of at least 127 civilian casualties, very likely an underestimate,” - @UNHumanRights
"There have been major attacks in Kyiv creating greater fear and panic among the population," - @unicef
"More than 100,000 are displaced inside country," - @Refugees pic.twitter.com/A7E3XQNaB0Russia Ready For Talks: AFP
Here's what we know so far (6:30 p.m. IST update):
Kremlin says Putin is 'ready' to send a delegation to Belarus' capital Minsk "for talks with a Ukrainian delegation", AFP reported.
The Russian military has taken control of a strategic airport just outside the Ukrainian capital and cut Kyiv off from the west, the Associated Press reported. The airport in Hostomel has a long runway capable of accommodating heavy transport planes.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of targeting civilians and called for more international sanctions, AFP reported. "Today at 10:30 a.m. at the entrances to Chernihiv, Hostomel and Melitopol there were heavy fighting. People died," he tweeted.
Sweden provided military, technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. “Grateful to Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson for her effective support,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted.
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with Putin by phone and encouraged Russia and Ukraine to negotiate to “address problems”, China's state TV news service said on Friday.
Pictures of damaged residential building at Koshytsa Street, a suburb of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, where a military shell allegedly hit.
February 25, 2022
📸 Genya SAVILOV #AFP pic.twitter.com/A2ZkQcq6fx13 More Ukrainian Soldiers Killed
Here's what we know so far (3.30 p.m. IST update):
Ukraine Defence Ministry said 13 of its border guards were killed by Russian forces after they refused to surrender. The incident took place on Snake Island, an island belonging to Ukraine and located in the Black Sea.
Russian forces are approaching Kyiv from the northeast and east, AFP reported citing the Ukraine army. Russian 'spies,' 'saboteurs' seen three miles from the capital city Kyiv, the army said.
President Zelensky has urged the EU to impose tougher sanctions to 'increase' pressure on Russia. "Not all possibilities for sanctions have been exhausted yet. The pressure on Russia must increase. Said this to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen."
Italy is ready to donate $110 million in financial assistance to Ukraine, Bloomberg reported citing Prime Minister Mario Draghi. He said Italy is ready to deploy 1,400 soldiers on NATO's request.
Moscow won't talk to the government in Kyiv until Ukraine's military surrenders, Bloomberg reported citing Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. “We're ready for negotiations at any time, as soon as the Ukrainian armed forces respond to our president's call, stop resistance, and lay down their weapons,” Lavrov said.
Troops Clash Outside Capital Kyiv
Here's what we know so far (1 p.m. IST update):
Ukraine's army says it is fighting Russian forces just outside the capital Kyiv, according to AFP.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the country "understands" Russia's security concerns, adding that all nations' territorial integrity should be upheld. "China's stance on Ukraine issue is consistent," he said.
Russia Will Have To Talk "Sooner Or Later"
Here's what we know so far (12 p.m. IST update):
Ukraine President Zelensky continued to give public statements, saying that sanctions don't seem to have stopped Russia. "They will have to hold talks sooner or later," reported Bloomberg citing Zelensky.
Zelensky also said that Russia is targeting civilian areas now and urged Russians to protest against their own government's actions. He also hailed Ukrainians for their “'heroism” and said Ukraine's forces are “doing everything possible” in the situation.
Russian Troops Nearing Kyiv
Here's what we know so far (11 a.m. IST update):
Ukraine President Zelensky said Russian 'sabotage groups' have reached Kyiv and urged residents to be vigilant and observe curfew rules in a video message.
Two large explosions were also heard in the city, according to Reuters and AFP.
Ukraine's military brought down a Russian aircraft over Kyiv, which then crashed into a residential building and set it on fire, Reuters reported citing the Interior Minister's adviser Anton Herashchenko.
Capital Kyiv Facing "Horrific" Air Strikes
Here's what we know so far (10 a.m. IST update):
The European Commission President unveils broad sanctions on Russia, targeting banks, technology and the energy sector. EU has also banned the sale of aircrafts and equipment to Russian airlines. Sanctions are being imposed on visas as well.
Ukraine foreign affairs minister Dmytro Kuleba says the capital city Kyiv is seeing “horrific” Russian rocket strikes. “Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany," he said.
137 Ukrainian Soldiers Die On Day 1
Here's what we know so far (8:30 a.m. IST update):
Ukraine's President, in a video message, vowed to stay put as Russian troops approached the capital city of Kyiv.
U.S. President Joe Biden said he agrees with G7 counterparts on sanctions on Russia. “We will stunt their ability to finance and grow Russia's military. We will impair their ability to compete in a high-tech, 21st century economy.”
The U.S. Pentagon said it would deploy 7,000 troops to Germany to reassure NATO Allies, deter Russian aggression and be prepared to support a range of requirements in the region.
Up to 1,000 people gathered in the former capital of Saint Petersburg to protest the invasion of Ukraine.
Friday Markets Impact: India And Abroad
Here's how global markets and commodities are reacting as of 9:30 p.m. IST:
Brent oil slipped to $97.22 a barrel after earlier soaring to as high as $105.79 in the immediate aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Gold came down to $1,883.89 from its highest level of $1,974.3 on Thursday. The 3.4% spike took it to a 13-month high.
The rupee appreciated as much as 0.4% to 75.29 today.
Sensex and Nifty closed 2.5% higher on Friday, after surging as much as 3% intraday. The indices had fallen 5% on Thursday, owing to the tensions between the countries.
Bitcoin recovered from its 8% drop and is trading 3% higher at $39,551 currently. Second-ranked Ether is also trading 3.74% higher.
The European Commission imposed broad-based financial sanctions on Russia, targeting 70% of its financial institutions and state-run firms.
Russia's MOEX Index gained 22% after falling as much as 45% yesterday.
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